Unmanned Systems

• Army orders 19 next-gen, long-endurance Gray Eagles

  General Atomics gets a contract for the Improved Gray Eagle unmanned aerial systems, which can stay aloft nearly twice as long as previous versions. Read More

• An emerging threat: Small drones as flying IEDs

  The military services are preparing to defend against the potential of inexpensive UAS being used as weapons. Read More

• Army wants Apache modifications for better UAS teaming

  The service is interested in innovative ways to make the helicopters more compatible with the Manned Unmanned Teaming modification. Read More

• Delivery drone does its job—and then vanishes?

  DARPA is looking for autonomous platforms that could make small deliveries to the battlefield and then just disappear. Read More

• ONR tests the latest in underwater drone technology

  The Pax River demonstrations showed off what autonomous and remotely controlled UUVs can do in finding and neutralizing underwater mines. Read More

• Army testing swarms of small drones

  Researchers want to see what's possible with small, inexpensive quad and octocopters. Read More

• Simple but effective: How TALONS extends ships' ISR

  The system, a joint project of DARPA and ONR, uses a parafoil to put equipment into the air and boost a ship’s communications range. Read More

• Robots to retrieve the wounded from the battlefield

  The Army also has other plans for using existing technologies to improve medical care in the trenches. Read More

• New Reaper variant stays aloft longer

  The Air Force and General Atomics have successfully fielded an Extended Range version that significantly increases the Reaper’s flight endurance. Read More

• Carlisle: Overworked airmen can't train for future threats

  The commander of the Air Combat Command tells a CSIS audience that RPA crew members are doing "zero continuation training because they’re all engaged in the fight." Read More

• Northrop unveils next-generation IED-fighting robot

  The Andros FX is an upgrade of a commonly used platform, with a focus on combating vehicle-borne explosives. Read More

• Why drones could play a more limited role in future conflicts

  Countries like Russia and China have anti-aircraft capabilities that terrorists don’t have, an Air Force official says. Read More

• Robots handle the risk, clearing hazards for Special Ops test range

  A robotic solution outfitted to large construction machinery is being used to clear forestry and unexploded ordnance at Fort Bragg to make room for a new live-fire test range. Read More

• DARPA gives helicopters robotic legs for landing in rough spots

  The agency and Georgia Tech researchers would improve the ability to land on rugged terrain or storm-tossed ships. Read More

• Air Force adopts softer touch toward exhausted drone pilots

  The month-long Culture and Process Improvement Program aims to improve quality of life and conditions for Predator and Reaper pilots. Read More