Defense Systems
Unmanned systems, S&T get the knife in 2013 defense budget
The Air Force seeks to restructure some unmanned aerial programs and science funding is down millions from $12.2 billion in fiscal 2012.
Defense Systems
The future of military comms on the battlefield
New radio and network technologies present opportunities and challenges.
Defense Systems
Navy starts countdown for launch of first MUOS satellite
With the launch its first Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) satellite set for the evening of Feb. 16, the Navy is highlighting that ability to provide a tenfold increase in bandwidth and the ability to communicate with warfighters on the move.
Defense Systems
UAV data analysis remains daunting challenge
The Air Force has upwards of 70,000 persons working to process all of the data and footage it is gathering from unmanned aerial vehicles in an effort to detect patterns worth exploiting in the pursuit of insurgents in Afghanistan and other global hot spots.
Defense Systems
DARPA puts squad support robot through obstacle tests
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency just completed its first outdoor test of a semi-autonomous, four-legged robot that ultimately will be used by soldiers and Marines to haul upwards of 400 pounds of squad gear at a time.
Defense Systems
Unmanned aircraft load up on compact sensors
Significant advances in the design of sensor systems for unmanned aerial vehicles enable a single payload to carry multiple sensors, which cuts weight and increases mission time.
Defense Systems
DOD to craft new terrorist-hunting strategy for Afghanistan
The U.S. military plans to revisit its terrorist-hunting strategy and make key adjustments to the way it employs Special Operations forces in Afghanistan.
Defense Systems
Air Force takes hard look at structure as budget crunch looms
The Air Force must overcome a number of challenges it faces in ISR, including data processing and training.
Defense Systems
NATO finds funds for ground surveillance system
NATO has found a funding solution for its Alliance Ground Surveillance system intended to help its member nations deploy joint intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets.
Defense Systems
Unmanned helo supplies Marines in Afghanistan
The Marine Corps is using the K-MAX remotely piloted helicopter to deliver supplies to Marines in the field in Afghanistan.
Defense Systems
Ferrell to lead Army CECOM at Aberdeen
Army Maj. Gen. Robert Ferrell will take command Feb. 9 of the service's Communications-Electronics Command in a morning ceremony at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md.
Defense Systems
Unmanned aircraft crashes into Somalia refugee camp
An unmanned surveillance aircraft crashed Feb. 3 into a refugee camp in the Somali capital.
Defense Systems
DARPA-created contacts would give warfighters new view of old data
The Defense Department's research and development arm is hoping to supply warfighters with science-fiction grade contact lenses, which would allow them to magnify distant objects and overlay their vision with battlefield information.
Defense Systems
Northrop Grumman gets contract for BACN payloads
The Battlefield Airborne Communications Node payloads will be for two existing Block 20 Global Hawk aircraft.
Defense Systems
AAI, ViaSat team for UAS satcom capability
AAI Unmanned Aircraft Systems and ViaSat have formed a strategic alliance to develop beyond-line-of-sight satellite communications capabilities for AAI's existing and future unmanned aircraft.
Defense Systems
DOD's counter-IED arm faces future challenges
The Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization's future may be in question as the war in Afghanistan draws down, but it's role in fighting IEDs is as critical as ever, a top officer said.
Defense Systems
DOD to test throwable robots in Afghanistan
The Defense Department plans to test a variety of throwable robots in Afghanistan this year to determine which are best suited for sustained use in combat conditions.
Defense Systems
Unmanned aircraft to take on terrorist groups in East Africa
An outpost in Ethiopia will become a launching area for U.S. unmanned aircraft along with another facility in the nearby Seychelles.
Defense Systems
Joint efforts can help with data overload, disconnections
As military planners begin developing strategies for working with smaller budgets, the idea of working together across branches is gaining traction, says Marine Corps Lt. Gen. George Flynn.
Defense Systems