Science & Tech

The Very Real Future of Iron Man Suits for the Navy

Exoskeleton technology for dismounted soldiers is limited by power constraints that don’t exist on ships. By Patrick Tucker

Defense Systems

Navy adds 2 vendors to $2.5 billion CANES contract

CGI Federal and DRS Technologies, which protested after being left off the original award, can now bid for work on the Navy’s next=generation shipboard network.

Science & Tech

The F-35 Has To Phone Texas Before Taking Off

Recent tests revealed the F-35 flies well enough, but not without calling Texas first. By Patrick Tucker.

Defense Systems

NRL demos super-fast ship-to-shore wireless system

The TREC system hits 720 megabits/sec close to shore and holds a still-solid signal more than 22 miles out to sea.

Threats

The US Navy Joins the Search for AirAsia Flight

Two Navy ships -- the USS Fort Worth and USS Sampson -- are aiding the Indonesian-led search effort. By Eric Katz

Business

How the Navy Plans To Keep Its Most Ambitious Young Sailors

The Pentagon's manpower system is drifting away from the expectations of its service members and the Navy's unorthodox methods may be the answer. By Jesse Sloman

Defense Systems

Navy's new underwater drone looks and swims like a fish

The GhostSwimmer, developed under the Silent NEMO project, can run silent, run deep.

Business

Bid Protest Slows Navy's $2.5 Billion Upgrade for Shipboard Networks

A recent GAO report says the Navy unfairly changed the price on bids to upgrade the nation’s surface warship fleet. By Frank Konkel

Defense Systems

7 breakthrough technologies from 2014

These DOD technologies and projects started making the transition this year from research to reality.

Defense Systems

ONR app can cut mission route planning from weeks to hours

ONR’s Mission Planning Application, originally developed for submarines, is being adapted for surface vessels.

Defense Systems

Navy awards $32.6M deal for shipboard info-sharing system

Data Link Solutions will build up to 12 of the latest Multi-Functional Information Distribution System on Ship units.

Defense Systems

Marines take cyber warfare to the front lines

During Bold Alligator, Marines use ONR’s Tactical Cyber Range, which includes augmented reality glasses, to carry out cyber and electronic warfare in the field.

Defense Systems

Navy could get next-gen global comm system a bit sooner

Lockheed Martin opens a facility to speed up testing and certification of MUOS terminals and applications.

Defense Systems

DOD continues push to boost supercomputing power

The high-performance modernization program awards two $30 million contracts to increase computing capacity at its HPC centers.

Science & Tech

Upgrades Will Let the Navy’s LCS Operate in More Dangerous Waters

The Pentagon approves a plan to upgrade the Navy’s littoral combat ships with more firepower and defensive equipment, but is it enough? By Marcus Weisgerber and Patrick Tucker

Defense Systems

The military is becoming immersed in virtual training

As simulations become more realistic and scalable, the services are putting them to use in large-scale exercises.

Defense Systems

Navy sets a three-prong plan for information dominance

Three documents signed this week lay out long-range strategies for mastery of cyberspace and the electromagnetic spectrum.

Science & Tech

Navy Tests Super Precise Laser Weapon in Persian Gulf

Deployed aboard a ship in the Persian Gulf, the Navy’s new drone-killing laser is exceeding expectations. By Patrick Tucker

Defense Systems

Funding cuts delay Navy's Next Generation Jammer

The system performed well in recent tests, but budget pressures will push its deployment back by a year.

Defense Systems

Airborne infrared targeting sensor passes key milestone

The Navy’s Infrared Search and Track system can track heat sources from long rnage while avoiding detection itself.