Defense Systems

Quadrotor Shrike joins small UAS family

AeroVironment has developed a quadrotor vertical take-off and landing small unmanned aircraft system named Shrike that can perch and stare while its high-resolution camera gathers video.

Defense Systems

Army to hold large-scale manned-unmanned air system demo

The Army will hold the largest demonstration to date of manned and unmanned aircraft systems interoperability Sept. 15 at Dugway Proving Ground, Utah.

Defense Systems

New bomber program might include escort UAVs

The Air Force's next-generation, long-range bomber likely will be paired with unmanned reconnaissance support aircraft to help it successfully penetrate enemy airspace and make precision strikes.

Defense Systems

UAV swarm technology might aid recon, rescue efforts

Boeing is testing a teamwork concept for unmanned aerial vehicles that is derived from the concept of insect swarms.

Defense Systems

Libyan rebels use tiny UAV for personalized recon

Libyan revolutionaries are using a tiny surveillance drone called Aeryon Scout to give them an aerial view of government forces independent from those provided by larger unmanned aerial vehicles and manned spy planes operated by NATO forces.

Defense Systems

Pocketbots might become valued addition to battlefield gear

Pocket robots displayed at the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International conference in August might be the next major advancement in military robotics.

Defense Systems

Fighter plane-size UAVs mature rapidly

Two unmanned attack aircraft are shaping up to be the future fast-attack platforms to come.

Defense Systems

Military refines techniques to counter hostile drones

The possibility of meeting enemy unmanned aircraft on future battlefields has initiated a series of test to model ways to counter the threat.

Defense Systems

UAV purchases to double, despite deep defense cuts

Over the coming decade, the global market for unmanned aerial vehicles is estimated to double to more than $11 billion, according to a new study from the Teal Group.

Defense Systems

Russia to display armed drone at air show

Russia plans to unveil a medium-range armed unmanned aerial vehicle at the upcoming MAKS-2011 air show.

Defense Systems

Navy seeks underwater drone to prowl high seas

The Navy is seeking prototypes of a robot that can stay at sea for months at a time to help boost maritime awareness around the globe.

Defense Systems

Army to hold NIE industry day in September

The Army plans to hold a briefing Sept. 8 in El Paso, Texas, to inform interested contractors about how the service's Network Integration Evaluation works and how they can get their equipment tested.

Defense Systems

Missile Defense Agency awards 9 task orders to contractor

Company's Sparta business unit wins a variety of work under Missile Defense Agency task orders.

Defense Systems

Say what? Faulty eavesdropping gear delays new spy plane

The Air Force's decision in July to continue with its $12 billion Global Hawk unmanned aircraft systems might possibly push the U-2 spy plane into full retirement by 2015, reports the New York Times.

Defense Systems

Army decides MULE no longer meets its needs

The Army plans to cancel the Multi-Function Utility/Logistics and Equipment unmanned vehicle, a holdover from the defunct Future Combat Systems program.

Defense Systems

Officials balk at proposed $800B in military budget cuts

President Barack Obama and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid have proposed more than $800 billion in defense cuts, but DOD leaders warned of serious consequences.

Defense Systems

Army's on-the-move connectivity draws closer

The Warfighter Information Network-Tactical Increment 2 will provide continuous high-bandwidth network connectivity to warfighters traversing remote regions in their vehicles.

Defense Systems

Satellite services contracts will trim costs for defense buyers

DISA and GSA are on track to award a pair of satellite communications contracts in the fourth quarter as part of the comprehensive Future COMSATCOM Services Acquisition.

Defense Systems

Partnerships will help protect U.S. space assets, official says

In response to the growing number of nations with counter-space capabilities, the United States is nurturing partnerships with spacefaring companies and allied nations to maintain its strategic advantage in space, said a top DOD official.

Defense Systems

U.S., China move closer to space security talks

U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy Gregory Schulte said July 19 that the United States and China will meet soon to discuss the best way to make sure that both nations act in a "responsible" manner in the national security space environment.