Defense Systems

What news I learned at the DISA show: A reporter's notebook

Defense Systems Editor-in-Chief Barry Rosenberg spent three days at the Defense Information Systems Agency customer forum in Tampa the week of May 7 and has more than a few juicy tidbits of information to share.

Defense Systems

DOD experiments with image services contracts to plug ISR gaps

Some parts of the Defense Department are now purchasing "pixels by the hour" from contractors operating unmanned aerial systems as a way to fill gaps in their intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.

Defense Systems

DOD schedules first test of cloud-oriented joint network

The Defense Department plans to test its Joint Information Environment concept in the European Command this summer.

Defense Systems

Navy embraces IT consolidation as new way of doing business

The traditionally self-reliant Navy is becoming more enterprise oriented.

Defense Systems

Agility, flexibility key components of IT success, says SPAWAR director

A fresh perspective that incorporates a sense of flexibility is required to achieve IT success in a world where threats are coming from new directions.

Defense Systems

The Navy can be its own worst enemy when it comes to cyber, says Navy CIO

With better education and understanding, the Navy can make it easier on themselves in acquisition and network security.

Defense Systems

Navy wrestles with comm challenges in unmanned systems, cyber warfare

Navy leadership must think differently about how the service operates in the new era of defense.

Defense Systems

Naval IT Day to spotlight major enterprise initiatives

Defense Systems' staff will be on hand May 3 to furnish detailed coverage of the 11th Annual Naval IT Day.

Defense Systems

Military airship programs plagued by wide range of problems

The Defense Department has invested more than $1 billion in at least nine airship programs across the military services in an effort to provide persistent surveillance to ground troops, but so far has almost nothing to show in operational airships.

Defense Systems

Data tool would help alert Navy to high-seas threats

The Navy is seeking a real-time analytical tool that can sift through data from radars related to maritime traffic and alert naval officers to hostile threats at sea.

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.