Defense Systems

Army seeks more mature network technologies for next NIE

The Army has issued a second sources sought notice that asked industry to deliver additional mature technologies to fill gaps in network communications systems at the Network Integration Evaluation exercise planned for spring 2012.

Defense Systems

Long-endurance airship scheduled for November flight

Northrop Grumman's long-endurance, multi-intelligence vehicle (LEMV) will undergo its first test flight in November after a three-month delay.

Defense Systems

UAV computer virus might be from gaming malware

The computer virus that worked its way into the system used to remotely pilot the Air Force’s armed unmanned aerial vehicles in September was not an intentional attack on the system but likely a result of malware used to steal log-ins and passwords used in online gaming.

Defense Systems

GEOINT 2011 to focus on integrated intelligence

Defense Systems staff will provide timely and detailed reporting on the GEOINT 2011 Symposium in San Antonio, Texas.

Defense Systems

Kiowa chopper loads up on interoperable capabilities

Bell Helicopter’s OH-58 Kiowa Warrior successfully demonstrated its ability to receive sensor video from a variety of the Army’s large unmanned aircraft systems at the service’s Manned Unmanned System Integration Capability demonstration held in September at Dugway Proving Ground, Utah.

Defense Systems

Panetta accelerates full budget audit deadline

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta has told the House Armed Services Committee that he wants DOD to complete a full audit of its budget by 2014, three years earlier than previously planned.

Defense Systems

JLENS passes latest milestone; is mission ready: Raytheon

The JLENS aerostat system has successfully completed a 14-day milestone test and is mission ready, according to manufacturer Raytheon.

Defense Systems

Air Force deems drone virus more nuisance than threat

The Air Force stated on Oct. 12 that the virus that recently infected the remote cockpits of its fleet of unmanned aerial vehicles operating over war zones was swiftly and easily contained.

Defense Systems

Air Force base failed to promptly report drone virus

Officials at Creech Air Force Base in Nevada knew for two weeks about a virus that infected the operation of drones flown remotely from the base over warzones in Southwestern Asia, but they chose not to inform Air Force cybersecurity officials about the situation.

Defense Systems

Air Force's Blue Devil airship undergoes testing

The Air Force is running tests on its optionally manned, giant airship Blue Devil Block 2 in preparation for deployment in Afghanistan by the middle of next year.

Defense Systems

Netherlands to join WGS program to boost military bandwidth

The Netherlands is planning to join the Wideband Global Satcom program to boost its military satellite communications capacity.

Defense Systems

2011 AUSA to offer insight into Army’s future force strength

The 2011 Association of the U.S. Army Annual Meeting and Exposition will be held Oct. 10-12, and Defense Systems staff will be on site to furnish timely and comprehensive coverage of presentations by top Defense Department and Army civilian and military officials.

Defense Systems

Brits in Afghanistan have high praise for low-tech drones

Although the dominant intelligence story line for British forces in Afghanistan is the transition from the Hermes 450 to the Watchkeeper tactical unmanned aircraft system, the frontline troops are particularly keen on low-tech UAS platforms tailored to support specific missions.

Defense Systems

How the iPhone 4S reaps benefits of defense research

The iPhone's voice assistant is another example of how innovations funded by the defense establishment often find their way into every-day use by civilians.

Defense Systems

US armed drones struck by tenacious computer virus

Unmanned aerial vehicles flown remotely over Afghanistan and other areas have been struck by a computer virus that logs pilots' keystrokes.

Defense Systems

Unmanned K-Max ships out for Afghanistan

The Navy has picked the K-Max helicopter built jointly by Kaman Aerospace and Lockheed Martin for testing under battlefield conditions in Afghanistan to determine whether unmanned aircraft systems are suitable for transporting supplies around the battlefield.

Defense Systems

Rosenbach to head DOD cyber programs

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta appointed Oct. 4 former Senate staffer and private security consultant Eric Rosenbach to lead defense cyber programs.

Defense Systems

Army, Marines to test 'throwable' robots in Afghanistan

The Defense Department is in the process of responding to a joint urgent operational needs statement for an ultra-llght recon robot capable of supporting dismounted operations in Afghanistan.

Defense Systems

Lynn: Budget dilemma won't stop cyber warfare ramp up

Despite a major reduction in spending Defense official says the development of cyber warfare and long-range strike capabilities won't be compromised.

Defense Systems

White House declares October cybersecurity awareness month

President Barack Obama issued a proclamation Oct. 3 declaring October as cybersecurity month in an effort to heighten awareness of the nation's "fundamental reliance" on digital infrastructure and its role as a strategic national asset.