Science & Tech
Air Force Chief Anticipates ‘Something Special’ for B-21 Public Debut
The Raider is still on schedule to make its first test flight with the next year, Air Force chief says.
Ideas
Users Can’t Be Afterthoughts in the Pentagon’s AI Efforts
The troops, commanders, and civilians who will use artificial-intelligence tools have vital roles to play in creating, training, and improving them.
Threats
Vulnerabilities May Slow Air Force’s Adoption of Artificial Intelligence
More data on the battlefield means a wider attack surface, something the Defense Department has yet to prepare for, experts say.
Ideas
AFA Conference Wire: Keeping AI Safe From Bad Data
News and notes from the 2021 Air Force Association's Air, Space & Cyber conference.
Science & Tech
US Air Force Developing Combat Tanker-Airlifter that Can Land on Water
In a conflict with China, aircraft will need flexibility in basing, and that means water takeoffs, landings.
Business
Five Ways 9/11 Changed the Defense Industry
More outsourcing, more services contracts, more generals on corporate boards—and that's just for starters.
Science & Tech
USAF Wants Wearables to Spot Outbreaks Faster
Top officials are also looking into data integration and digital traceability tools to help keep staff healthy.
Ideas
The Taliban Reportedly Have Control of US Biometric Devices
Up to 32 million Afghans are tagged in a system that DOD and the Afghan government used for criminal prosecutions, background checks, and voter registration.
Science & Tech
House Bill Aims to Bridge Acquisition ‘Valley of Death’ In Race to Counter China
A draft of the House NDAA markup outlines two provisions to fix the gap between research and acquisition.
Science & Tech
How One Tech Entrepreneur Is Scaling Up Veteran-Led Evacuation Efforts
Volunteers in the U.S. are telling fleeing Afghans where Taliban traps are.
Science & Tech
The Texas National Guard Just Unveiled the Largest 3D Printed Structure in North America
But Russia and China are preparing to 3D print hypersonic components.
Science & Tech
Hypersonic Missile Defense May Depend on Low Earth Orbit Satellites
Sensors in relatively low orbits may be the best way to spot superfast missiles—but they can’t do the job alone.
Science & Tech
Floating Robot Gas Station To Get Pentagon Trial
The aim is a kit to convert barges into self-propelled, expeditionary replenishment platforms for rotary wing aircraft, surface vessels, and shore stations.
Business
US Air Force, Venture Firms Make $60 Million Bet on Hypersonic Aircraft Startup
The deal calls for Georgia-based Hermeus to accelerate development of reusable test aircraft.
Science & Tech
Can We Spot Illegal Fishing Fleets from Space?
The Defense Innovation Unit is offering prizes for using satellite-mounted radar to fight a growing national-security problem.
Business
Exclusive Interview: Lockheed’s CEO Wants His Company to Connect All the Pentagon’s Weapons
Jim Taiclet has been forming alliances with commercial firms in an attempt to give Lockheed a leg up over its competitors.
Policy
British Defense Secretary Vows to Fix Tank that Deafens Troops
Wallace is to meet with the CEO of General Dynamics, maker of the Ajax light tank.
Science & Tech
Plywood Satellite Cleared for Space Launch
The WISA Woodsat could reduce space debris by using materials that will burn as they fall back into Earth’s atmosphere.
Science & Tech