A strong argument could be made that given the recent innovations in ground-vehicle armor, and vehicle-mounted communications and sensor equipment brought about by the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the U.S. military is in a “Golden Age” for tactical vehicles.
It’s jarring to think that just a few years ago, U.S. forces entered Iraq in thin-skinned, often doorless or roofless Humvees, vehicles that now seem more appropriate for museums than combat zones. The unforeseen needs of extra armor, especially underbelly armor to deflect roadside bombs, and the exponentially greater power-generation requirements of a force that increasingly relies on sensors and communications gear, has strained the fleet to its limits, and led to a revolution in vehicle technology.
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Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Joint Platform Tablet MRT Computers
DRS Technologies, Inc., announced today that it received a $217 million contract to produce rugged computing systems which include Joint Platform Tablet military rugged tablet (MRT) computers, keyboards, docking stations, interface cables and base plates in support of the Movement Tracking System (MTS) for the U.S. Army. The systems are designed and manufactured at the DRS Tactical Systems business unit in Melbourne, Florida. Deliveries will begin this year and continue into 2010.
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Joint War Games Test Today’s, Tomorrow’s Security Challenges
A series of seminar-type, joint-force war games being held at McLean, Va., are examining present and future threats, senior U.S. military officers said here today.
The war games began May 31 and are slated to conclude June 5.
The U.S. military “had a great model for deterrence” during the Cold War, Navy Vice Adm. Robert S. Harward, deputy commander for U.S. Joint Forces Command, based at Norfolk, Va., said during a conference call with reporters. That model mostly was based on the use of conventional military forces to deter the Soviet Union.
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The war games began May 31 and are slated to conclude June 5.
The U.S. military “had a great model for deterrence” during the Cold War, Navy Vice Adm. Robert S. Harward, deputy commander for U.S. Joint Forces Command, based at Norfolk, Va., said during a conference call with reporters. That model mostly was based on the use of conventional military forces to deter the Soviet Union.
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DARPA’s Hypersonic Vulcan Engine Meld
It might not be a Vulcan mind-meld, but it’s pretty close. The Department of Defense’s technology brain trust, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), has given 4 contractors the go-ahead to develop the advanced Vulcan combination engine system for hypersonic flight. The 8-month first phase features awards to: Alliant TechSystems, General Electric, Rolls Royce, and United Technologies.
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Lockheed Martin Conducts Successful Flight Of AFRL’s Advanced Composite Cargo Aircraft
On Tuesday, June 2, Lockheed Martin and the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) successfully conducted the initial demonstration flight of the Advanced Composite Cargo Aircraft (ACCA). This flight marks the final and most significant milestone of Phase II of AFRL’s ACCA program, in which Lockheed Martin replaced the mid/aft fuselage and empennage of a Dornier 328J aircraft with an advanced composite structure.
"Yesterday was one of those perfect days where I get to be the first to fly a new aircraft and everything goes as planned. The aircraft was a real pleasure to fly and we experienced no issues,"said Rob Rowe, Lockheed Martin test pilot.
ACCA took off to the east from USAF Plant 42 at 6:55 a.m. The aircraft then banked west and climbed to an altitude of approximately 10,000 feet where the two-pilot crew took the vehicle through a series of airspeed and stability and control tests. These tests are important to understand how the composite cargo aircraft performs at varying speeds, attitudes, and altitudes. This data will be used as a baseline for future tests.
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"Yesterday was one of those perfect days where I get to be the first to fly a new aircraft and everything goes as planned. The aircraft was a real pleasure to fly and we experienced no issues,"said Rob Rowe, Lockheed Martin test pilot.
ACCA took off to the east from USAF Plant 42 at 6:55 a.m. The aircraft then banked west and climbed to an altitude of approximately 10,000 feet where the two-pilot crew took the vehicle through a series of airspeed and stability and control tests. These tests are important to understand how the composite cargo aircraft performs at varying speeds, attitudes, and altitudes. This data will be used as a baseline for future tests.
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Lockheed Receives $2bn Contract Modification for F-35 Lightning II Lot III
Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $2,106,525,040 modification to definitize the previously awarded Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) air system low rate initial production Lot III advance acquisition contract (N00019-08-C-0028) to a cost-plus-incentive-fee/award-fee contract.
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How to retaliate in cyber attacks debated
In the murky world of computer espionage, the United States faces hard choices on how to retaliate when government or privately owned networks come under cyber attack, senior military and intelligence officials said Tuesday.
As the administration grapples with how best to defend its computer networks, debate is raging over how far the United States can go in pursuit of cybercriminals, and even what constitutes a digital act of war.
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As the administration grapples with how best to defend its computer networks, debate is raging over how far the United States can go in pursuit of cybercriminals, and even what constitutes a digital act of war.
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Boeing Looks for 'Silent Eagle' Development Partners
Boeing officials are in talks with several U.S. and foreign-based companies about forming a consortium to share development costs on the Chicago-based defense giant's new F-15SE "Silent Eagle" fighter aircraft.
The Silent Eagle is an updated version of Boeing's venerable F-15. It features a new coating to shield it from enemy radar, an internal weapon carriage, new avionics and a V-tail.
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The Silent Eagle is an updated version of Boeing's venerable F-15. It features a new coating to shield it from enemy radar, an internal weapon carriage, new avionics and a V-tail.
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Aerovironment’s Global Observer: Flying High, Again
The late Dr. Paul McReady’s Aerovironment, Inc. has achieved just renown for the success of its small UAVs like the Army’s RQ-11 Raven and the US Marines’ RQ-14 Dragon Eye/Swift. Outside the military sphere, however, it is best known for civil successes like the human-powered Gossamer Condor, the giant, solar-powered Pathfinder and Helios aircraft, and the flying Quetzalcoatlus northropi ornithopter on display in the Smithsonian museum.
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GaN: DARPA’s 3-Pronged R&D Strategy
DID has reported extensively on research contracts related to Gallium Nitride (GaN) semiconductors, which offer significantly higher power and performance. Unfortunately, they present manufacturing and cost challenges that have stymied their use in commercial applications.
In May 2005, Compound Semiconductor Magazine offered an excellent overview of the GaN wide-bandgap semiconductors program and DARPA’s goals. Key program objectives include rapid transition of the technology developed into military systems. Other important goals include a “great” improvement in understanding the physical reasons behind device failures and the development of physical models to predict performance, reproducible device and MMIC fabrication processes, and improved thermal management and packaging. Reliability is expected to be a key challenge.
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In May 2005, Compound Semiconductor Magazine offered an excellent overview of the GaN wide-bandgap semiconductors program and DARPA’s goals. Key program objectives include rapid transition of the technology developed into military systems. Other important goals include a “great” improvement in understanding the physical reasons behind device failures and the development of physical models to predict performance, reproducible device and MMIC fabrication processes, and improved thermal management and packaging. Reliability is expected to be a key challenge.
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WNAN: DARPA’s Idea for Next-Generation Soldier Networks
At present, many soldiers don’t have communications radios because the hardware is too expensive. Buying 2-way radios from Radio Shack before deployments solved that problem for some soldiers, but insecure communications created others. On the high end, the US military’s JTRS program is expected to create radios that are much better at working together, and much easier to upgrade. As one might expect, however, the hardware appears to be on track to be more expensive, in return for that improved performance.
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Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Regular Light Bulbs Made Super-Efficient with Ultra-Fast Laser
An ultra-powerful laser can turn regular incandescent light bulbs into power-sippers, say optics researchers at the University of Rochester. The process could make a light as bright as a 100-watt bulb consume less electricity than a 60-watt bulb while remaining far cheaper and radiating a more pleasant light than a fluorescent bulb can.
The laser process creates a unique array of nano- and micro-scale structures on the surface of a regular tungsten filament—the tiny wire inside a light bulb—and theses structures make the tungsten become far more effective at radiating light.
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The laser process creates a unique array of nano- and micro-scale structures on the surface of a regular tungsten filament—the tiny wire inside a light bulb—and theses structures make the tungsten become far more effective at radiating light.
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Raytheon-IMI GPS-Guided Mortar Rounds Demo Capability During Tests
A new type of 120 mm precision-guided mortar round hit eight out of nine target areas during a recent U.S. Army-Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) cooperative research and development agreement demonstration.
The rounds made by an Israel Military Industries-Raytheon team hit short- and long-range targets, demonstrating greater range than current unguided 120 mm high-explosive mortar rounds in the U.S. Army's inventory.
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The rounds made by an Israel Military Industries-Raytheon team hit short- and long-range targets, demonstrating greater range than current unguided 120 mm high-explosive mortar rounds in the U.S. Army's inventory.
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Argon ST to Upgrade Navy Surface Ship Torpedo Defense Program
Argon ST, Inc., a leading systems engineering, development and services company providing full-service C5ISR (command, control, communications, computers, combat systems, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) systems and services to a wide range of defense and intelligence customers, today announced that it has received a $6.2 million award for engineering development in support of the U.S. Navy's Surface Ship Torpedo Defense (SSTD) program.
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LM To Develop USAF's Next-Gen Long-Range Radar
The U.S. Air Force has awarded Lockheed Martin [NYSE:LMT] a fixed-price contract for nearly $25 million to develop a prototype for the next-generation 3-Dimensional Expeditionary Long-Range Radar (3DELRR). Lockheed Martin was one of two industry teams placed under contract for the technical development of this new land-based radar.
The Electronic Systems Center at Hanscom Air Force Base leads the acquisition for the new radar. The Air Force plans to replace its entire TPS-75 long-range radar inventory with the 3DELRR, which will detect, identify, track and report aircraft and missiles. Following a 20-month Technical Development Phase, the Air Force has said it intends to competitively award one contract for system development in the 2011 timeframe.
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The Electronic Systems Center at Hanscom Air Force Base leads the acquisition for the new radar. The Air Force plans to replace its entire TPS-75 long-range radar inventory with the 3DELRR, which will detect, identify, track and report aircraft and missiles. Following a 20-month Technical Development Phase, the Air Force has said it intends to competitively award one contract for system development in the 2011 timeframe.
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Infrared Fuses Can Send Secret Messages
By combining cutting-edge chemistry with the ancient concept of signaling flares, researchers have made an information-dense fuse that transmits complicated messages as it burns.
The so-called “infofuse” is made from dots of lithium, rubidium and cesium laid on a line of fast-burning nitrocellulose. Different combinations of the metals produce different intensities and wavelengths of light, from visible to infrared. These characteristics can be precisely controlled, allowing the fuses to convey a form of chemical Morse code.
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The so-called “infofuse” is made from dots of lithium, rubidium and cesium laid on a line of fast-burning nitrocellulose. Different combinations of the metals produce different intensities and wavelengths of light, from visible to infrared. These characteristics can be precisely controlled, allowing the fuses to convey a form of chemical Morse code.
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U.S. Military Turns to Twitter for Afghan Hard News
"What are you doing?" For the U.S. military in Afghanistan, the answer to the latest social networking craze seems to be: "Killing Taliban."
U.S. commanders launched their "social networking strategy" for Afghanistan Tuesday, using the hugely popular website Twitter to release information about some of their operations (http://twitter.com/usfora)
Among their first postings about insurgents killed and detained, the military tweeted on Tuesday: "Afghan & coalition forces killed six militants in Paktika Province overnight during a (sic) operation to capture a Taliban commander."
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U.S. commanders launched their "social networking strategy" for Afghanistan Tuesday, using the hugely popular website Twitter to release information about some of their operations (http://twitter.com/usfora)
Among their first postings about insurgents killed and detained, the military tweeted on Tuesday: "Afghan & coalition forces killed six militants in Paktika Province overnight during a (sic) operation to capture a Taliban commander."
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In-depth communication
Raytheon has developed a technology that makes it possible to communicate with a submerged submarine at classified speeds and depths in real time.
The defence technology specialist demonstrated the new technology, called Deep Siren Tactical Paging (DSTP), for the UK's Royal Navy at an at-sea trial.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) reported that the Deep Siren system demonstrated ‘the first step toward a transformational capability that will change the way we operate submarines in the future’.
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The defence technology specialist demonstrated the new technology, called Deep Siren Tactical Paging (DSTP), for the UK's Royal Navy at an at-sea trial.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) reported that the Deep Siren system demonstrated ‘the first step toward a transformational capability that will change the way we operate submarines in the future’.
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Ground control
A highly controllable rocket system with the ability to manoeuvre planetary landers on future space missions has been demonstrated by US engineers.
Project partners Advanced Technology Associates (ATA) and Alliant Techsystems (ATK) have developed a proposed solid-fuel propellant system designed to offer the precision control needed to land NASA's Mars Science Laboratory.
Minneapolis-based ATK is working with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) to develop propellants for a low-cost lightweight solid-propellant control system that could be used in payload descent and spacecraft cruise phases for planetary exploration missions.
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Project partners Advanced Technology Associates (ATA) and Alliant Techsystems (ATK) have developed a proposed solid-fuel propellant system designed to offer the precision control needed to land NASA's Mars Science Laboratory.
Minneapolis-based ATK is working with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) to develop propellants for a low-cost lightweight solid-propellant control system that could be used in payload descent and spacecraft cruise phases for planetary exploration missions.
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Sunday, May 31, 2009
Segway inventor builds shoe-controlled bionic arm
Famous inventor Dean Kamen has developed a revolutionary new bionic arm for use by US troops injured in combat. The arm, now in beta testing, is manipulated from a foot-operated control panel inside one of the user's shoes and employs a vibrating feedback mechanism.
unique feature of the advanced arm is its control system, which works almost like a foot-operated joystick. An array of sensors embedded in a shoe allows users to maneuver the arm by putting pressure on different parts of the foot. The current version uses wires to relay the signals to the arm, but future versions will be wireless.
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unique feature of the advanced arm is its control system, which works almost like a foot-operated joystick. An array of sensors embedded in a shoe allows users to maneuver the arm by putting pressure on different parts of the foot. The current version uses wires to relay the signals to the arm, but future versions will be wireless.
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Stolen Laptop can be Recovered by Data Backup Service
You can recover lost data by using a data backup program but it is also possible to get a stolen laptop back. A man who has recovered his stolen laptop after seeing photos the thief took of himself with the built-in camera via his Internet-based data backup program.
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Largest laser lights Livermore
The world’s largest and most energetic laser system was just dedicated on Friday, May 29, 2009, at the U.S. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. The mission of the National Ignition Facility is to better national security, provide breakthroughs in astrophysics, and create fusion energy.
The news release “Dedication of world’s largest laser marks the dawn of a new era” from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) states that the new laser-based inertial confinement fusion research device is called the National Ignition Facility (NIF) laser system.
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The news release “Dedication of world’s largest laser marks the dawn of a new era” from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) states that the new laser-based inertial confinement fusion research device is called the National Ignition Facility (NIF) laser system.
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Google Waves Goodbye to E-Mail, Welcomes Real-Time Communication
Google has set out to rewire the e-mail inbox with a new product called Wave.
Wave is a web-based application that marries multiple forms of communication and collaboration, including chat, mail and wikis, into a unified interface. Everything inside Wave happens in real time: You can even see a comment being made as the person is typing it, character-by-character.
Google Wave, which was demonstrated Thursday at the Google I/O developer conference taking place here, is now live as a private developer preview. Conference attendees can start playing with it now, and Google has its eye on a public beta launch within a few months.
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Wave is a web-based application that marries multiple forms of communication and collaboration, including chat, mail and wikis, into a unified interface. Everything inside Wave happens in real time: You can even see a comment being made as the person is typing it, character-by-character.
Google Wave, which was demonstrated Thursday at the Google I/O developer conference taking place here, is now live as a private developer preview. Conference attendees can start playing with it now, and Google has its eye on a public beta launch within a few months.
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Sweat = Threat? Army Looks at ‘Abnormal Perspiration’ as Sign of ‘Harmful Intent’
If you walk weird, make funny faces, or sweat a little too much — watch out, when you walk into an airport. The U.S. military wants to use those irregularities as “indicators” of “possibly suspicious and harmful intent.”
The Army recently asked for proposals for a new suite of biometric sensors that will hunt for bad-minded people by examining their “expressions, gait, and pose” from afar. The “Image Analysis for Personnel Intent” project is also supposed to spot would-be evil-doers through their “abnormal perspiration and changes in body temperature.” (Note to would-be Osamas: Don’t send the sweaty guy to hijack the plane.)
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The Army recently asked for proposals for a new suite of biometric sensors that will hunt for bad-minded people by examining their “expressions, gait, and pose” from afar. The “Image Analysis for Personnel Intent” project is also supposed to spot would-be evil-doers through their “abnormal perspiration and changes in body temperature.” (Note to would-be Osamas: Don’t send the sweaty guy to hijack the plane.)
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Virus detector
Researchers at University of Twente spin-out Ostendum have developed a prototype of a new system that can detect within minutes if an individual is infected with a virus.
The researchers claim that not only does the system carry out measurements many times faster than standard techniques, it is also portable, so it can be used anywhere.
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The researchers claim that not only does the system carry out measurements many times faster than standard techniques, it is also portable, so it can be used anywhere.
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The State of the Art of Nuclear Fusion: It's Not Easy
Of all the futuristic technologies scientists have sworn would change our lives forever, none is more promising, and more elusive, than fusion power. After decades of tangential research, false starts and downright hoaxes, the two most advanced fusion projects at present are America's National Ignition Facility (NIF) and the multinationally funded International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER).
Both projects use different technology and have different goals, and, as of this week, different trajectories. Today, scientists and politicians will officially dedicate NIF, signaling the beginning of full-scale work on the project. Conversely, the seven nations funding ITER announced this week that they would be scaling back the project's size and lengthening the timetable for activation.
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Both projects use different technology and have different goals, and, as of this week, different trajectories. Today, scientists and politicians will officially dedicate NIF, signaling the beginning of full-scale work on the project. Conversely, the seven nations funding ITER announced this week that they would be scaling back the project's size and lengthening the timetable for activation.
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Meet Ember, the Littlest Warbot
iRobot's multipurpose PackBot has helped lead the way among war-bots, disabling improvised explosives and carrying out recon missions for snipers. But soon paperback-sized robots such as the Ember prototype could join their larger cousins on the battlefield.
Ember's strength rests with numbers and disposability -- one soldier could theoretically carry around several of the bots and place them to create a networked mobile swarm. Each robot might carry several radios and sensors that make up a small part of the larger wireless network envisioned in the Army's now-gutted Future Combat Systems.
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Ember's strength rests with numbers and disposability -- one soldier could theoretically carry around several of the bots and place them to create a networked mobile swarm. Each robot might carry several radios and sensors that make up a small part of the larger wireless network envisioned in the Army's now-gutted Future Combat Systems.
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New US command to focus on cyber battlefield
he US military is moving ahead with plans to create its first "cyber command" designed to bolster America's potential to wage digital warfare as well as defend against mounting cyber threats, officials said on Friday.
After President Barack Obama announced Friday his plans to overhaul cyber security policy, Defense Secretary Robert Gates was expected to soon formally propose the new cyber command that will be overseen by a four-star officer, Pentagon officials told AFP.
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After President Barack Obama announced Friday his plans to overhaul cyber security policy, Defense Secretary Robert Gates was expected to soon formally propose the new cyber command that will be overseen by a four-star officer, Pentagon officials told AFP.
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$30M to Raytheon for SLAMRAAM Long-Lead Production
Raytheon announced that its Surface Launched Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (SLAMRAAM) program has received U.S. Army approval for a long-lead acquisition, not to exceed $30 million, for purchases leading to low rate initial production.
The SLAMRAAM is the Army’s future short-range air defense weapon.
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The SLAMRAAM is the Army’s future short-range air defense weapon.
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Up to $707M to Honeywell for Maritime Prepositioning Support
Honeywell Technology Solutions Inc. in Jacksonville, FL won a $14.5 million indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity contract with a cost-plus-award-fee pricing arrangement for logistics services for the Maritime Prepositioning Ships Program, the Marine Corps Prepositioning Program-Norway, and for operational logistics support to engaged Marine Corps and Department of Defense operating forces. This contract includes 9 one-year options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of the contract to $707 million.
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