For a future fight against a near-peer military, U.S. special operators say they need smart, networked sensors and drones that can work together in contested environments with little human supervision. But as “collaborative autonomy” comes within technical reach, just how independent should these things get?
When the Pentagon announced significant cuts to cost-of-living allowances this summer for service members and their families stationed in Germany, many stared at stacks of bills and were utterly confused. Spouses in Germany say it is not an affordable place to live right now as the country is being hit by skyrocketing utility costs, decreased access to child care, and gas prices comparable to the United States’—all caused by the lingering effects of the coronavirus pandemic as well as Russia's unprecedented invasion of Ukraine.
The corporate war between two factions of Aerojet Rocketdyne board members is heating up in court this week as the company’s chief executive and executive chairman fight for control of the only remaining independent maker of solid rocket motor engines. On May 23, the Delaware Chancery Court began hearing a civil case brought forth by Warren Lichtenstein, Aerojet Rocketdyne’s executive chairman whose affiliates and Steel Partners Holdings LP hold 5.5 percent of the company’s shares. Lichtenstein alleges that CEO Eileen Drake and her associates misused corporate resources to disparage him and attempt to gain control of the company.
In 1941, Gen. Henry H. “Hap” Arnold of the then-U.S. Army Air Corps personally reviewed a jet engine patented by Sir Frank Whittle flying on a Gloster E.28/39 aircraft. Impressed by its design, Arnold arranged for a Whittle engine to be brought back to the U.S. and tasked General Electric (GE), known for its work on turbosuperchargers, to use the Whittle design as the foundation for developing the first U.S. jet engine. Arnold’s request for a new jet engine launched a partnership that continues today, with the ongoing development of GE’s XA100 designed for the F-35, along with thousands of GE engines that power the current Air Force fleet.
The Space Force's Space Systems Command is continuing to refine its concept for establishing a single point of contact for commercial innovators called the front door. “We want to make ourselves more available for industry,” said Air Force Maj. Adam Burnetta, Space Enterprise Consortium program manager. “We want to be that front door for industry to ask any questions, to not get lost in the email riffraff of shifting offices or people, which the military often does.”
The company Launcher won a $1.7 million contract from the Space Force that will assist the development of a high-performance rocket engine for its small launch vehicle. Launcher received the Small Business Innovation Research Phase 2B tactical funding increase, or TACFI, award to accelerate work on its E-2 engine. That includes full-duration testing of the engine’s turbopump and long-duration testing of the combustion chamber.
Marine Corps Spouse of the Year Vinny Toth shares his story of acceptance and belonging after “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” was repealed and how he’s helping create diverse military spouse communities—especially for male military spouses. Then, Army Spouse of the Year Monica Bassett discusses how she’s also advocating for change: for military families dealing with food insecurity and hunger.
A new automated way to keep track of aircraft maintenance tools took the top prize in Air Education and Training Command’s iChallenge competition. Donald Mitchell, an aircraft fuel systems flight chief at the 97th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Altus Air Force Base in Oklahoma, won first place and the accompanying $225,000 for his automated tool control and accountability idea, AETC said in a release.
Lt. Gen. Richard Scobee, chief of the Air Force Reserve and commander of Air Force Reserve Command, joined his counterparts from the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and National Guard during testimony before the House Appropriations defense subcommittee. In his opening remarks, Scobee attested to the accomplishments of AFRC throughout the past year and thanked the subcommittee for its continued support on behalf of AFRC members.
The Pentagon has tapped artificial intelligence ethics and research expert Diane Staheli to lead the Responsible AI (RAI) Division of its new Chief Digital and AI Office (CDAO). In this role, Staheli will help steer the Defense Department’s development and application of policies, practices, standards, and metrics for buying and building AI that is trustworthy and accountable.
Ukrainian Special Operations Forces have released a video of what is reported to be the U.S.-supplied AeroVironment Switchblade miniature loitering munition striking a Russian T-72B3 main battle tank. Which Switchblade was used to carry out the attack was unclear, and the status of the tank and the crew remained unknown.
Air Force home games vs. Colorado and Navy, along with the Commanders' Classic game against Army in Arlington, Texas, have been selected for national television by CBS, according to an announcement by the network. The Falcons host Colorado on Sept. 10 in Falcon Stadium. Air Force begins its quest for a record 21st Commander-in-Chief's Trophy by hosting Navy on Oct. 1. The Falcons play Army in the second Commanders' Classic on Nov. 5 at Globe Life Field.