Defense Systems

ViaSat-1 passes data transmission test

Satellite operator ViaSat has transmitted the first data over its high-capacity, Ka-band satellite named ViaSat-1 using the WildBlue high-speed data network.

Defense Systems

Mobile apps could lead to better UAV sensors

DARPA is looking for smartphone application developers to help the military speed the development of sensors for unmanned aerial vehicles.

Defense Systems

Cubic expands mesh network at US bases in Kuwait

Cubic has won a $3.5 million subcontract from ARINC Engineering Services to support the Next Generation Wireless Communications system at three U.S. bases in Kuwait.

Defense Systems

Air Force, Lockheed partner on reusable launch system

Lockheed Martin has won an indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract potentially worth $250 million over five years to furnish technical support for the Air Force’s Reusable Booster System.

Defense Systems

Navy, Northrop demonstrate manned-unmanned intell sharing

The Navy and Northrop Grumman share sensor data between manned and unmanned helicopters.

Defense Systems

Navy accelerates unmanned aircraft tests

Although the Navy may be late coming to the world of unmanned aircraft systems, it is now pushing the limits of UAS technology from the standpoints of capability and autonomy, Graham Warwick reports in Aviation Week.

Defense Systems

RQ-170 crash might put US sensor technology at risk

U.S. officials have confirmed that an RQ-170 Sentinel unmanned aerial vehicle on a secret mission for the CIA did crash in Iran on Dec. 1.

Defense Systems

Iran claims to have downed US RQ-170 unmanned aircraft

Iran said Dec. 4 that it shot down a U.S. high-altitude, RQ-170 stealth unmanned aerial vehicle on its eastern border. However, U.S. officials disputed the claim, stating that the lost craft instead might be an unmanned reconnaissance aircraft that went off course and crashed in the area last week.

Defense Systems

Tactical UAVs may soon carry small missiles

Raytheon’s Small Tactical Munition would give battalion-sized Marine Corps units the ability to use unmanned aerial vehicle for strikes.

Defense Systems

DOD said on verge of authorizing Androids, iPhones

The Defense Department is preparing to authorize the use of Android and iPhone software.

Defense Systems

BAE, AVX to chase Navy unmanned rotorcraft deal

BAE has teamed with small helicopter manufacturer AVX to bid for the U.S. Navy’s Medium-Range Maritime Unmanned Aircraft System scheduled for fielding in 2019.

Defense Systems

Navy to activate first vertical UAV unit in 2013

The Navy plans to activate its first operational vertical take-off unmanned air vehicle unit in 2013.

Defense Systems

Many cyber positions unfilled at DOD, GAO says

The DOD is one of the agencies singled out by the GAO as having trouble handling its cybersecurity workforce.

Defense Systems

French Navy first to test mini UAV on small ship

The French Navy has beaten the U.S. Navy to the punch by deploying unmanned aerial vehicles on small vessels.

Defense Systems

BAE partners on visualization for virtual command centers

Military commanders at locations around the globe would be able to meet in a virtual command center as a result of new technology being developed through a partnership between BAE Systems and Daden.

Defense Systems

11 foreign UAVs you should know

U.S. allies and adversaries are developing and using their own unmanned aerial vehicles.

Defense Systems

US military tests electronic warfare missile

The United States has built and tested a directed energy weapon designed to disrupt enemy electrical systems.

Defense Systems

Bluefin to build underwater robot for Navy's LCS

Bluefin Robotics has been awarded a subcontract from General Dynamics to design and build an unmanned underwater vehicle that will help crews of the Navy's Littoral Combat Ships to detect and identify enemy-laid surface mines.

Defense Systems

Navy completes UAS common controls demo

The Navy has successfully demonstrated its Common Control System for current and future unmanned aircraft systems in simulated missions at the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division in China Lake, Calif.

Defense Systems

Air Force to launch two more AEHF satellites in 2012

The Air Force has activated its Advanced Extremely High Frequency military communications satellite after a 14-month struggle to get it into the correct orbit.