Defense Systems
Navy awards a second $478.6M contract for joint tactical radios
The award to Data Links Solutions, identical to the recent deal to ViaSat, brings the total committed to MIDS JTRS terminals to nearly a billion dollars.
Defense Systems
Marines using virtual reality to lighten real-world load
The Office of Naval Research ETOWL, a 3D computer simulation program, lets users load up an avatar to study the stress points on warfighters.
Defense Systems
Study: DOD needs to field laser weapons ASAP
The Center for a New American Security also recommends that military labs abandon their piecemeal approach in favor of a merged development program.
Defense Systems
Navy's third high-bandwidth satellite ready for duty
MUOS-3 expands coverage to about three-quarters of the globe; the fourth and final satellite is expected to be launched later this year.
Defense Systems
Mabus says delays are hurting UCLASS development
Navy Secretary Ray Mabus voiced some frustration over the delays in the Unmanned Carrier-Launched Airborne Surveillance and Strike program, which Congress wants to focus more on strike capabilities.
Defense Systems
Navy awards $479M deal for joint tactical radios
The MIDS JTRS terminals allow high-speed, jam-resistant sharing of voice, data and imagery among U.S. and coalition forces.
Defense Systems
General Dynamics upgrades computer system for Marines' fighter jet
The company has just delivered the third software release for the mission system computer in the AV-8B Harrier II attack aircraft.
Defense Systems
Future of unmanned capabilities: MALE vs HALE
While the U.S. has had a lot of success with medium-altitude unmanned aircraft against non-state actors, more technologically formidable militaries such as China's could be a problem.
Business
The Once—and Future?—USS Samuel B. Roberts
The enduring legacy of a small warship, in 25 tweets.
Defense Systems
Cutting-edge glasses give Marines a clear view of augmented reality
The glasses, developed by ONR, were used for the first time with the Augmented Immersive Team Trainer.
Threats
Navy Unveils Video of Manmade Islands in South China Sea
Defying Chinese orders to get lost, a Navy P-8 patrol plane flew over the reefs Beijing is turning into full-fledged footholds.
Science & Tech
The Navy Is Trying To Hack-Proof Its Drones
Aerial robots weren't expected to become part of the Internet of Things, but now the Navy needs to protect them from cyber threats.
Defense Systems
NAVAIR looks to bolster cyber defenses for weapons systems
The command’s Cyber Warfare Detachment is seeking proposals to fill gaps in cyber warfare capabilities and defenses across the board.
Ideas
Maersk Tigris: A Warning Bell for Our Contested Maritime Century
In the 21st century, competition between established and emerging powers will be increasingly felt and expressed at sea.
Science & Tech
The Navy’s New Binoculars Can Identify You From 700 Feet Away
Collecting on-the-ground intelligence may have become a bit safer.
Defense Systems
Intell director: Drones 'essential' to Navy's future
Vice Adm. Ted Branch said the service is working hard to "move the ball" in the direction of unmanned systems.
Ideas
The 3 Areas Where the Navy Is Adjusting Its Operating Strategy
Facing threats to its existing operating concept, the Navy is adjusting the way it'll pursue surface warfare in the 21st century.
Business
Obama Nominates Nuclear Chief To Head Navy
Adm. John Richardson, a submariner, would become the first head of the Navy’s nuclear-propulsion shop to rise to chief of naval operations.
Business
Navy Opens Fire on Cold-War Personnel System
Armed with an innovative plan for promotions, Secretary Ray Mabus wants to sink industrial-age HR policies and rig his fleet for the 21st century.
Defense Systems