Defense Systems
Air Force considers switching vendors on GPS III program
After delays with Lockheed Martin Space Systems’ production of the first satellite, the service is looking for alternatives.
Defense Systems
ULA considers non-Russian launch engine for Atlas V
Under political pressure to stop using the RD-180 first-stage engine, the joint venture is studying concepts for a U.S.-made replacement.
Defense Systems
DARPA, Navy want long-range ISR drones for smaller ships
The Tern program plans to build a medium-altitude, long-endurance UAS that doesn’t need an aircraft carrier for take-off.
Defense Systems
DISA mulls laser system for satellite communications
All-optical systems potentially offer increased data transfer rates and better security while avoiding the crowded electromagnetic spectrum.
Defense Systems
Army, Navy fund Northrop for electronic warfare system
The company will produce pre-production units of its advances radar warning receiver and electronic warfare management system for aircraft.
Defense Systems
Next-gen man portables swap out size and weight, add performance
New satellite router boards for field use are about the size of an iPad, more battery-efficient and can handle high data rates.
Defense Systems
UAS training to be basic training for Marine officers
The Basic School for new officers is adding a course on the RQ-11B Raven, a small, lightweight system that can provide ISR in the field.
Defense Systems
Army boosts bandwidth with new suitcase-sized satellite terminals
T2C2, now a program of record, takes portable battlefield communications from kilobits to megabits per second.
Defense Systems
Russia to restrict military use of GPS stations in its territory
The retaliatory move comes in the wake of U.S. rejection of Russian GLONASS monitoring stations, but will have little effect on GPS users.
Defense Systems
Air Force switches contractors with $298M award for FAB-T satellite terminals
Raytheon snags contract from Boeing to provide terminals for “nuclear survivable” satcom.
Defense Systems
Air Force awards deal for Space Fence to track orbital debris
Lockheed Martin wins the $914.7 million contract to build a system to track even small bits of space junk.
Defense Systems
Teleporting information sets stage for ‘cyber secure’ communications
ARL researchers using quantum entanglement to move images and data say the technology could lead to handheld teleportation-exfiltration devices.
Defense Systems
DARPA-funded augmented reality technology moves to commercial sector
Heads-up display software could appeal to gamers, military trainers.
Defense Systems
How the Army is building a better battlefield network
WIN-T, the centerpiece for the service's mobile tactical communications, rolls on in face of fiscal realities.
Defense Systems
Army opens up competition for tactical field radios
The service is launching a “radio marketplace” for Rifleman Radios as it ramps up its purchasing plans.
Defense Systems
Army testing a real-time smartphone system for the battlefield
The system, called SULSAT, would provide streaming video and images, giving everyone from foot soldiers to company commanders the same view.
Defense Systems
A drone by any other name is … an RPA?
Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Martin Dempsey has a point about saying “remotely piloted aircraft” rather than “unmanned” or the dreaded “drone.” But it might be too late to do anything about it.
Defense Systems
Predator drone to get NATO-worthy Euro radio
Drone maker General Atomics is teaming with Germany's Rhode & Schwartz to add European-certified radios to its Predator unmanned aircraft.
Defense Systems
Feel the force: Army tests tactile comm for the battlefield
The Army Research Lab’s haptic system helps soldiers navigate, communicate and identify targets at night without having to look at a screen.
Defense Systems