UAS and Robotics


JLENS tracks swarming boats in test

During a recent test, a Raytheon JLENS (Joint Land Attack Cruise Missile Defense Elevated Netted Sensors) aerostat system simultaneously detected and tracked double-digit swarming boats, hundreds of cars and trucks, non-swarming boats, and manned and unmanned aircraft, according to a Raytheon press release.

Textron, Bell and AAI launch collaboration in manned/unmanned teaming

Textron Systems and Bell Helicopter, a subsidiary of Textron Inc., have opened the Textron Systems Integration and Collaboration Lab, as well as the Bell Helicopter/AAI Unmanned Aircraft Systems Manned/Unmanned Operations (MUMO) Capability Development Lab.

Fire Scout breaks endurance records during latest deployment

The Navy’s fourth Fire Scout detachment returned to Mayport, Fla. on Dec. 1 after achieving several milestones during its five-month deployment.

4 capabilities essential for future national defense

A new report identifies four critical capabilities and assets that the Defense Department will need to counter the predominant threats to national security in the next decade.

X-47B UCAS completes land-based catapult launch

The X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System demonstrator has successfully completed a land-based catapult launch at Patuxent River Naval Air Station.

QinetiQ to furnish Talon robot to Czech and Polish Militaries

QinetiQ North America has won orders worth $8.4 million to furnish its Talon small unmanned ground vehicle to the Czech Republic and Poland, the company said Nov. 26.

Alion to help Navy develop unmanned weapon systems

Alion will assist the Navy in evaluating and developing unmanned and automated weapon systems that will be used to protect the service's surface fleet and amphibious forces under a $24 million contract, the company said in November.

Presidential election triggered push to finish rules on drone strikes

Before the 2012 presidential election, the Obama administration sped up efforts to develop formal rules for the targeted killing of terrorists by drones so that they would be available if needed by a new president.

Lockheed buys UAS manufacturer Chandler/May

Lockheed Martin has purchased unmanned aerial systems and ground control station manufacturer and integrator Chandler/May for an undisclosed amount.

Northrop rolls out bigger Firebird variant

Northrop Grumman held the first flight of a two-seat variant of its Firebird medium-altitude, optionally piloted vehicle (OPV) on Nov. 12 in Mojave, Calif., for an unidentified customer.

SAIC to work on robotic surface vessel that tracks submarines

DARPA has awarded Science Applications International Corp. a prime contract potentially worth $59 million for phases two through four of the Anti-Submarine Warfare Continuous Trail Unmanned Vessel program.

Navy expected to issue RFP soon for UCLASS aircraft

The Navy tentatively plans to issue a draft request for proposal for its unmanned carrier-launched surveillance and strike (UCLASS) aircraft program by Dec. 31.

Webcast

  • Improving Performance Management and Project Control to Meet Cost/Schedule Milestones in DoD Procurement

    It can be nearly impossible to build annual budgets that consider forecasted project and program work plans along with detailed cost data, particularly when attempting to reconcile actual and projected program costs with actual schedule performance. In this webcast, a defense IT program manager will share best practices and hard-won lessons aligning critical data on project performance, cost systems and schedules for truly big picture program management insight. Read more