Unmanned Systems

Military mulls letting robots take the point

The Army’s chief roboticist wants robots to take the front lines to serve as “bullet catchers” to protect soldiers. But should they also fire back? Read More
Army wants to give soldiers their own micro-drones

The service is asking industry for information on developing UAS weighing 150 grams for ISR in the field. Read More
DARPA's high-speed vertical-lift plane goes to Phase 2

Aurora Flight Sciences' design for the VTOL X-Plane project aims to improve hovering efficiency while also increasing airspeed. Read More
Reaper's retrofits extend its range and endurance

General Atomics said the unmanned aircraft's longer wings and greater fuel capacity take its flight endurance from 27 to 40 hours. Read More
Army wants lightweight weapons for UAS

The service is looking for small guided munitions to be outfitted on unmanned aerial systems, though it's not saying which UAS would use them. Read More
Global Hawk takes another step toward replacing the U-2

Manufacturer Northrop Grumman said the unmanned aircraft successfully competed flight tests for the first time with the SYERS-2 sensor found on the U-2. Read More
Air Force is looking for resilient autonomous systems

The service wants to develop systems that can operate contested spectrum environments and learn from prior experience. Read More
DARPA's sensor-laden quadcopter zooms around indoors at 45 mph

The Fast Lightweight Autonomy program could give soldiers and rescue teams a look inside unstable buildings with a minimum of operator effort. Read More
Army revives short-range air defense to address small-drone threat

As the threat of small UAS becomes more prolific, the Army wants to integrate countermeasures into battalion combat teams. Read More
ARL wants soldiers to 3D print small drones

In a new research effort, the Army Research Laboratory is examining how soldiers in the field could produce expeditionary drones quickly. Read More
As threat landscape changes, Air Force mulls the next unmanned platform

The Air Force is currently looking for drones, large and small, that can operate in contested environments for future conflicts. Read More
Where DOD's R&D funds would go in 2017

Budget documents show a focus on emerging threats, including cyber, electronic warfare and new strike systems. Read More
Navy's high-altitude Triton UAS takes a step forward

The MQ-4C Triton, intended to provide persistent maritime ISR, has successfully completed operational assessment, according to manufacturer Northrop Grumman. Read More
Cockroaches inspire a new breed of disaster-site, battlefield robots

Researchers at UC Berkeley and ARL look to mimic the insect's flexibility, strength and speed. Read More
Where DOD is planning to spend on unmanned systems in 2017

The budget proposal provides insight into where investments for unmanned systems are going. Read More