Defense Systems
Lockheed wins C4ISR security contract for Coast Guard cutter
The company was recently awarded a $72 million contract to provide a C4ISR system for the Coast Guard’s eighth National Security Cutter.
Defense Systems
Special Forces: Why use a Cadillac when a Ford will do?
Budgetary pressures and the wide variety of threats prompt SOCOM to prioritize its ISR resources to reflect each threat.
Defense Systems
Future of unmanned capabilities: MALE vs HALE
While the U.S. has had a lot of success with medium-altitude unmanned aircraft against non-state actors, more technologically formidable militaries such as China's could be a problem.
Defense Systems
Air Force certifies SpaceX for satellite launches
Upstart will compete with incumbent United Launch Alliance on GPS III launches.
Defense Systems
Air Force gives Lockheed $735M deal for satellite support
The contract calls for continued support of three generations of satellite communications.
Defense Systems
NRL patents a small, orbital space junk sensor
The low-power, low-cost Optical Orbital Debris Spotter will allow for greater monitoring of the space debris threatening critical satellite infrastructure.
Defense Systems
Air Force takes steps to fix drone pilot shortage
The service is boosting pay and retention bonuses, training more pilots and reducing the number of missions.
Defense Systems
Air Force plans to spend $4B on Global Hawk drone program
Northrop Grumman will maintain and modernize the long-range ISR aircraft over the next five years.
Defense Systems
Nanosatellites could provide future battlefield communications
The Space and Missile Defense Command is testing small satellites that could deliver over-the-horizon voice, data and imagery.
Defense Systems
Air Force to certify SpaceX for launches by June
The Space and Missile Command has amended a research agreement streamlining EELV certification.
Defense Systems
UAS-at-sea program produces a couple of practical spinoffs
Offshoots from the DARPA/ONR Tern program could speed up launch and recovery, and boots ships' ISR and communications range.
Defense Systems
Next-generation GPS satellite ready for testing
GPS III is maneuverable, more resistant to jamming and can be upgraded.
Defense Systems
Problems ahead for Navy's carrier-based drone program
Disagreement over whether UCLASS's primary role should be surveillance or strike has caused significant delays in the program, according to a GAO report.
Defense Systems
Future soldiers could be part of the Internet of Things
The recent Mad Scientist Conference addressed the idea of embedding sensors into humans to help produce "sentient" data.
Defense Systems
Antisatellite race heats up with China, Russia
The Air Force is exploring new antisatellite technologies -- but keeping quiet about which ones -- in response to Chinese tests and Russia's hard line.
Defense Systems
Army awards $3.9 billion deal for Rifleman radios
Thales and Harris will compete for order of up to 193,276 of the software-defined radios, designed to take tactical communications to dismounted soldiers.
Defense Systems
U.S.-Japan pact bolsters ties in cyber, space and ISR
The agreement announced this week calls for greater information sharing and mutual defense.
Defense Systems
Navy extends UAV range with first in-flight refueling
The X-47B becomes the first drone to refuel in flight, while the Triton tests out a more powerful new search radar.
Defense Systems
Undersea GPS could guide submerged drones in the deep
A DARPA program wants to seed the ocean with the acoustic equivalent of GPS satellites, so underwater vehicles don’t have to surface to get an exact fix.
Defense Systems