Defense Systems
Marines extend use of cargo UAV in Afghanistan
The Marines have extended for two more months their use of a pair of Lockheed Martin's K-MAX unmanned cargo helicopters in Afghanistan in what might be a positive sign that there is a clear need for such equipment on the battlefield.
Defense Systems
DOD experiments with image services contracts to plug ISR gaps
Some parts of the Defense Department are now purchasing "pixels by the hour" from contractors operating unmanned aerial systems as a way to fill gaps in their intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.
Defense Systems
House adds additional funds for armed UAV programs
Despite Air Force officials' assertions that they need only minimal funding in fiscal 2013 to support key programs for armed unmanned aerial vehicles, the House Armed Services Committee has approved additional funding to keep the UAVs in peak condition and ensure there is an abundance of ammunition for their weapon systems.
Defense Systems
Australia deploys Shadow 200 UAS to Afghanistan
Australia has begun using the AAI Shadow 200 tactical unmanned aircraft system in Afghanistan.
Defense Systems
Air Force ISR success rides on common architecture, says deputy chief
A common architecture for ISR must be established that allows data to be moved from all domains and across dissimilar platforms rapidly and efficiently, says a top Air Force official.
Defense Systems
AEHF-2 satellite launch delayed due to rocket glitch
The United Launch Alliance launch of the Air Force's second Advanced Extremely High Frequency communications satellite was scrubbed May 3 because of a lack of helium flow from the ground support equipment to the interstage adapter compartment on the launch vehicle.
Defense Systems
Navy wrestles with comm challenges in unmanned systems, cyber warfare
Navy leadership must think differently about how the service operates in the new era of defense.
Defense Systems
Army braces for aerial intel surge in Afghanistan
The Army must figure out new and efficient ways to process data gathered from unmanned aerial vehicle sensors and cameras as it begins operations in Afghanistan with its first medium-altitude, long endurance MQ-1C Gray Eagle and also its first full-spectrum combat aviation brigade with manned and unmanned aircraft.
Defense Systems
Naval IT Day to spotlight major enterprise initiatives
Defense Systems' staff will be on hand May 3 to furnish detailed coverage of the 11th Annual Naval IT Day.
Defense Systems
Military airship programs plagued by wide range of problems
The Defense Department has invested more than $1 billion in at least nine airship programs across the military services in an effort to provide persistent surveillance to ground troops, but so far has almost nothing to show in operational airships.
Defense Systems
Data tool would help alert Navy to high-seas threats
The Navy is seeking a real-time analytical tool that can sift through data from radars related to maritime traffic and alert naval officers to hostile threats at sea.
Defense Systems
Air Force readies second AEHF satellite for launch
The Air Force will launch its second Advanced Extremely High Frequency satellite May 3 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.
Defense Systems
Flexrotor UAV scheduled for flight control upgrade
The Office of Naval Research has awarded Aerovel a contract to develop the flight controls component for the Flexrotor vertical take-off-and-landing unmanned aerial vehicle.
Defense Systems
US to expand scope of UAV strikes in Yemen
The Obama Administration has granted the CIA and the U.S. military greater flexibility to strike al Qaeda operatives in Yemen with armed unmanned aerial vehicles.
Defense Systems
Airborne ISR still years away from futuristic swarm concept
The Defense Department's strategy for employing airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance sensors and platforms against adversaries is threatened on a number of fronts, and the best solution to address the existing challenges is years away.
Defense Systems
Air Force to automate tracking of space debris
Air Force personnel charged with tracking space debris in orbit to ensure that it doesn't interfere with operational satellites will begin using a new suite of automated equipment later this year to perform the complex task.
Defense Systems
Ground sensors play key role in battlefield snooping
New efforts seek to fuse systems for faster force reaction, greater situational awareness
Defense Systems
Navy investigates UAS crashes as programs move forward
Navy forges ahead with key UAS programs while trying to figure out what caused two of its Fire Scouts to crash recently.
Defense Systems
A holistic approach to tactical comms
Wireless ad-hoc mesh networks can make voice and data tactical communications possible in austere environments where infrastructure may not exist and electrical power is scarce.
Defense Systems