We have seen the future of fighter jets, and it includes the BAE Systems / Rolls-Royce Tempest. This aircraft will be able to fly unmanned, and use swarming technology to control drones. That’s not all, built-in artificial intelligence deep learning technologies will also help control directed-energy weapons, while Cooperative Engagement Capability gives it the ability to cooperate on the battlefield.
DARPA’s AlphaDogFight Trial will pit their artificial intelligence algorithm against a human F-16 fighter pilot in aerial combat. This will be the third and final competition and is set to take place between Aug. 18-20. Unfortunately, this will be a virtual event due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. It was created to demonstrate the advanced AI systems’ capabilities in air warfare. Read more for two videos and additional information.
You’ve probably heard about Boeing’s AV-8B Harrier II, F/A-18 Hornet, C-17 Globemaster III and the Joint Strike Fighter X-32A, but what about the T-7A Red Hawk? This aircraft, originally known as the Boeing T-X, is basically an American/Swedish advanced jet trainer developed by Boeing Defense, Space & Security in partnership with Saab Group. Read more for two videos and additional information.
The US Army Research Office (ARO) is funding researchers at the University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, for a study focused on a laser-processed aluminum panel that efficiently concentrates solar energy to evaporate and purify contaminated water. Put simply, this process transmors regular shiny aluminum to a pitch black color, making it highly absorptive, as well as super-wicking. This material is then used for the solar water purification technique. Read more for a video and additional information.
Northrop Grumman’s B-21 Raider is a next-generation heavy bomber under development for the United States Air Force (USAF) and set for its first flight test in 2022, with active duty slated for 2025. This aircraft is part of the Long Range Strike Bomber program (LRS-B) and designed to be an advanced very long-range, large, heavy-payload stealth intercontinental strategic bomber capable of delivering conventional and thermonuclear weapons. Read more for two videos and additional information.
Last year, GM Defense partnered with Ricardo Defense to develop ISV prototypes for testing, evaluation and down-selection for the production contract. This week, the U.S. Army Contracting Command–Detroit Arsenal announced that GM Defense has been awarded a $214.3-million contract to build, field and sustain the Army’s new Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV). Read more for two videos and additional information.
Acer officially launched Enduro, its new line of rugged laptops designed for the battlefield or just the workplace. Whether if you’re a soldier, first responder or an industrial manufacturing worker, the Acer Enduro N7 and the thin-and-light yet durable Enduro N3 should handle the job. The Enduro N3 (above) was specially engineered to be resistant to drops and water, achieving both MIL-STD 810G as well as IP53 certifications. It weighs in at just 4.37-pounds, and features reinforced corners for drops, Corning Gorilla Glass to protect the display and a unique water-repelling Aquafan. Read m ore for a video, additional pictures and information.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) flew an unarmed General Atomics MQ-1 Predator drone over Minneapolis as protesters continue to protest against police brutality. It was first discovered on a flight tracking tool by members of the ADB-S Exchange, and is apparently surveying protests there. Read more for two videos about the MQ-1 Predator and additional information.
Photo credit: Unilad Tech
Ever wonder what the first detonation of a nuclear device looked like? If so, the test codenamed “Trinity” and conducted by the United States Army at 5:29 a.m. on July 16, 1945, as part of the Manhattan Project. It happened in the Jornada del Muerto desert approximately 35-miles southeast of Socorro, New Mexico, on the former USAAF Alamogordo Bombing and Gunnery Range, now part of White Sands Missile Range. Read more for a video and additional information.
The Samsung Galaxy S20 Tactical Edition (TE) has just been unveiled, and it’s a mission-ready smartphone solution designed for operators in the federal government and Department of Defense (DoD). It comes loaded with a highly customized software and feature set that enables it to operate seamlessly with a range of existing peripherals and supports the requirements of tactical and classified applications. Read more for another picture and additional information.