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

Greater UAV autonomy needed: former ISR chief

Finding ways for unmanned aircraft to process more sensor information on board will provide substantial benefits, says the Air Force's former Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance.

Defense Systems

Air Force likely to retire Block 30 Global Hawks

The Air Force is likely to retire its fleet of Block 30 RQ-4 Global Hawk high-altitude unmanned aerial vehicles, a surprising turn of events considering the Global Hawk was on the verge of replacing the five-decade-old U-2 manned spy plane program.

Defense Systems

Security needs high as defense networks evolve

Network security is paramount as more and more users tap into Defense Department networks, says Rear Adm. Jerry Burroughs.

Defense Systems

Budget cuts to alter Naval Special Warfare programs

Naval Special Warfare programs will feel the impact of cuts made elsewhere in the military, says Rear Adm. Sean Pybus.

Defense Systems

Navy makes progress on unmanned aerial refueling capability

The Navy is testing an aerial refueling system designed to significantly increase the range of carrier-based unmanned aircraft.

Defense Systems

Next-gen tech offers best answer to military budget dilemma

With smart choices, the United States can build a new military that is more capable and more affordable.

Defense Systems

AFCEA West to assess military at the crossroads

Defense Systems staff will provide detailed coverage of the AFCEA West 2012 conference in San Diego.

Defense Systems

The push for a space code of conduct

The United States, the European Union and other nations are drafting a space code of conduct.

Defense Systems

LightSquared asserts latest GPS tests rigged

LightSquared and a former FCC chief engineer said Jan. 18 that the Global Positioning System test devices that were used recently to test the company's new network were rigged by makers of GPS receivers and government end users to produce "bogus results."

Defense Systems

Boeing gets nod for two more WGS satellites

The Air Force has authorized Boeing to develop and launch the eighth and ninth Wideband Global Satcom satellites.

Defense Systems

Brighter days ahead for unmanned systems

The unmanned systems industry is poised to serve any mission for the Defense and State departments and also for law enforcement and other civilian agencies.

Defense Systems

Fourth WGS satellite scheduled for launch

The Air Force will launch the fourth Wideband Global Satcom Satellite into space tonight as part of the continuing effort to deliver more communications bandwidth to warfighters.

Defense Systems

Argus One airship undergoes initial testing

The World Surveillance Group has completed an initial demonstration of its Argus One unmanned airship at the Energy Department’s Nevada Test Site.