Defense Systems

Flexrotor UAV scheduled for flight control upgrade

The Office of Naval Research has awarded Aerovel a contract to develop the flight controls component for the Flexrotor vertical take-off-and-landing unmanned aerial vehicle.

Defense Systems

Navy on cusp of releasing NGEN final solicitation

Navy says NGEN request for proposals will be out in a matter of days. Responses due July 13.

Defense Systems

Airborne ISR still years away from futuristic swarm concept

The Defense Department's strategy for employing airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance sensors and platforms against adversaries is threatened on a number of fronts, and the best solution to address the existing challenges is years away.

Defense Systems

Navy puts new Fire Scout model on fast development track

The Navy has awarded a $262 million contract to Northrop Grumman to develop the first batch of the new MQ-8C Fire Scout unmanned helicopters designed to have greater range and other improvements beyond the existing MQ-8B model.

Defense Systems

Navy's Internet cafe to do more than boost caffeine levels

The Navy has tapped DRS to build satellite and communication systems for continued morale, welfare and recreation of service members in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Defense Systems

Navy explores hunter-killer concept using Tomahawks, UAVs

The Navy is working with other military services to pair cruise missiles and small unmanned aerial vehicles in hunter-killer teams that can be used by U.S. special forces, said a top Navy official.

Defense Systems

Navy looks to private industry for help with data center consolidation

New technologies and management techniques offer increased efficiency and flexibility.

Defense Systems

Navy investigates UAS crashes as programs move forward

Navy forges ahead with key UAS programs while trying to figure out what caused two of its Fire Scouts to crash recently.

Defense Systems

The Navy has some ideas on the tough acquisition questions

The Navy is reviewing how it acquires IT systems and streamlines it logistics processes to better navigate tighter budgets.

Defense Systems

Navy remains firmly committed to 'green fleet,' secretary says

The Navy is looking to harness future energy and other technologies to become a leaner, more effective fighting force, says Navy Secretary Ray Mabus.

Defense Systems

Strategic shift to Asia-Pacific plays to Navy, Marine Corps strengths

Crisis response, anti-piracy efforts and other maritime functions take on increasing importance as the Defense Department focuses on the Asia-Pacific region.

Defense Systems

Smaller footprint for Navy data centers will bring big savings

Service plans to shutter many centers while improving performance and cutting costs.

Defense Systems

Navy expo to focus on expeditionary force capabilities

The Navy League Sea-Air-Space Exposition will be held April 16-18 in National Harbor, Md., and Defense Systems staff will be at the show to provide timely and detailed coverage of speeches and presentations by top Navy and Marine Corps officials.

Defense Systems

NAVAIR plans 4G cell service for amphibious group

The Naval Air Systems Command plans to leverage commercial cellular technology to test the broadband communications capability aboard three ships in 2013.

Defense Systems

Navy sensor would hunt for pirate ships

The Navy is developing a sensor system for unmanned aircraft that would be able to distinguish a pirate vessel from other craft.

Defense Systems

MIDS JTRS terminal advances to full production

The U.S. military is moving a software-defined networking terminal that distributes information from the Joint Tactical Radio System into full production, and it will be fielded soon on several key Air Force and Navy weapons platforms.

Defense Systems

China's navy to develop UAVs to hunt submarines

China's People's Liberation Army Navy has begun deploying unmanned aerial vehicles aboard its ships. They may eventually hunt submarines.

Defense Systems

Navy seals the deal on critical cockpit contract

The Navy has awarded Lockheed Martin a $1 billion contract for high-tech common cockpits needed for helicopters in war zones and other threatening areas.

Defense Systems

Navy CYBERFOR provides backbone for manning, training and equipping

RADM Gretchen Herbert, commander, Navy Cyber Forces, discusses modernization and the challenges of simultaneously operating new and legacy systems.

Defense Systems

Navy halts Fire Scout flights after two crashes

Following two recent incidents that resulted in crashes, the Navy has put its MQ-8B Fire Scout flight operations on "operational pause."