Defense Systems

Air Force, NASA test jet with 'morphing' wings

The technology promises to make aviation more fuel-efficient, environmentally friendly and quieter.

Defense Systems

New software speeds up Marines' online ordering, even when not online

Three new applications in the Corps' logistics support system lets even Marines without Internet connectivity handle of the hard part of online transactions.

Defense Systems

Army awards $3.9 billion deal for Rifleman radios

Thales and Harris will compete for order of up to 193,276 of the software-defined radios, designed to take tactical communications to dismounted soldiers.

Defense Systems

NGA website supports Nepal relief efforts

The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency launches a public site to help with damage assessment maps and other data services.

Defense Systems

Self-guiding bullet can now hit a moving target

In recent tests for DARPA's EXACTO program, even a novice shooter hit a target on the go from long-distance.

Defense Systems

Robotic glove can help tetraplegic veterans recover

VA is running trials on the FES Hand Glove 200, which helps patients complete their therapy sessions.

Defense Systems

3D body scans are a fit for Army clothing, equipment

A database of 3D data at Natick's research center helps make clothing, armor and other equipment that fit and function better.

Defense Systems

Navy extends UAV range with first in-flight refueling

The X-47B becomes the first drone to refuel in flight, while the Triton tests out a more powerful new search radar.

Defense Systems

Undersea GPS could guide submerged drones in the deep

A DARPA program wants to seed the ocean with the acoustic equivalent of GPS satellites, so underwater vehicles don’t have to surface to get an exact fix.

Defense Systems

Lab is making Star Trek's transparent armor a reality

It's not precisely transparent aluminum, but NRL's ceramic spinel has the same properties and is a potential game-changer for military and commercial uses.

Defense Systems

DOD recruits Silicon Valley for cyber, innovation efforts

Defense Secretary Ash Carter says success depends on a cooperative, integrated effort.

Defense Systems

Squid-inspired 'invisibility stickers' provide night-vision camo

Researchers make a tape that could render soldiers invisible under infrared light.

Defense Systems

DARPA wants to plumb the depths of an underwater Internet

The agency is looking for technologies to expand high-bandwidth communications and networking below the surface.

Defense Systems

The move to autonomous ground vehicles requires a leap of tech

It might seem a small step to remove the "semi" from in front of "autonomous," but there's a lot more to it than that.

Defense Systems

Army says intelligence system is getting easier to use

The service plans to reduce complexity and improve training for DCGS-A, which has met with criticism and resistance from users.

Defense Systems

Army mulls a cyber career field for civilians

The service's cyber commander tells Congress that recruiting and retaining civilian cyber warriors remains "challenging."

Defense Systems

Day of the LOCUST: Navy demonstrates swarming UAVs

ONR, in another breakthrough for autonomous technology, shows how a team of small drones can work together to protect an asset or attack an enemy.

Defense Systems

An unexpected source of mobile security: Ada

The longstanding DOD programming language goes from mainframes to mobile devices.

Defense Systems

Pentagon's near-zero power plan could change the game for wireless sensors

DARPA's N-ZERO program would make devices that lie dormant but aware until triggered by a specified event.

Defense Systems

Army maps out plan for better, smarter ground robots

A new program also wants to establish standard platforms and modular designs to allow for fast development and easy upgrades.