Sensors and UAVs


Do UAVs really need HD cameras?

Industry seems to have solved the problem of how to outfit unmanned aerial vehicles with high-definition video, but the big question is what specific missions require such video clarity, reports Michael Hoffman at Defense News.

L-3 unit will upgrade Marine Corps’ remote sensor system

L-3 Communications Inc. subsidiary L-3 Nova Engineering will provide equipment, upgrades and repairs, and program management services under a $52.8 million Defense Department follow-on contract to support the Marine Corps' Tactical Remote Sensor Systems program.

Wind power blows military in different directions

The Army is working on a wind-power project, while elsewhere wind turbines cause havoc with radar.

Drone helicopter violates DC airspace

The Navy admits it lost control of a drone helicopter for half an hour in restricted airspace in Washington, D.C.

DARPA unveils program to develop autonomous robots

DARPA's four-year Autonomous Robotic Manipulation program aims to produce robots that can perform complex tasks with minimal human intervention.

DOD addresses urgent operational needs in Afghanistan

The Defense Department has managed to push through development in a short period of time a number of smaller programs designed to provide better protection for U.S. forces in Afghanistan, reports William Matthews of Defense News.

New sensors hunt for fertilizer bombs in Afghanistan

A new military program under way in Afghanistan seeks to track fertilizer-based improvised explosive devices by sniffing them out from the air, reports Spencer Ackerman at Wired's Danger Room blog.

DARPA plans a network of virtual satellites

DARPA revises its program to launch clusters of small, wirelessly connected mini satellites.

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