Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Navy plans ship-based LTE for close-quarters communication]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/24/navy-plans-ship-based-lte-for-close-quarters-communication/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/24/navy-plans-ship-based-lte-for-close-quarters-communication/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/24/navy-plans-ship-based-lte-for-close-quarters-communication/#comments

Navy plans ship-based LTE

Bandwidth is a precious commodity on military vessels. Ships in the US Navy fleet are generating more data, but the pipe it's getting pumped through isn't getting any larger. What's more, with limited connectivity options on the table, the sea-faring military wing is missing out on all the smartphone and app store fun. Rather than turn green with envy, or turning their dress whites is for camouflage cargo pants, the Navy is beefing up its mobile tech arsenal, beginning with the U.S.S. Kearsarge, U.S.S. San Antonio and U.S.S. Whidbey Island. The ships will serve as test beds for a nautical LTE system, with a range of about 25 miles. The 4G network will serve as a localized platform for wirelessly feeding data to sailors, as well as a way for the enlisted to connect to the outside world. On the backend, the Marines are working on a new satellite broadband service that should be able to provide ships with 300 megabits of shared bandwidth. Satellite internet and off-grid LTE might induce yawns in some, but they're certainly a major part of modernizing our fighting forces. For more info, check out the source link.

Navy plans ship-based LTE for close-quarters communication originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 May 2012 01:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4gltemarinesmilitarymobilepostcrossnavysatellitesatellite internetSatelliteInternetus navyUsNavywargadgetThu, 24 May 2012 01:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Navy looks into UV cloak for stealth aircraft]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/10/navy-uv-cloak-for-stealth-aircraft/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/10/navy-uv-cloak-for-stealth-aircraft/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/10/navy-uv-cloak-for-stealth-aircraft/#comments Navy looks into UV cloak for stealth aircraft

The Navy's invested good money in the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, which obscures radar waves and redirects engine heat to evade recognition by infrared sensors. But that stealth flier is still vulnerable to another type of detection: UV sensors. The Pentagon recently began soliciting proposals to develop a device that cloaks aircraft from ultra-violet detection systems. The hope is that such a technology could shield aircraft from missile seekers that scan the sky for telltale "UV silhouettes." According to the call for research, the solution could involve a device that disperses a cloud of quantum dots or other materials to veil jet fighters in a shapeless mass of UV shadow. Given that this is a rather daunting task, it's not surprising that the development timeframe and projected cost are still up in the air.

Navy looks into UV cloak for stealth aircraft originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 May 2012 07:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aircraftF-35JointStrikeFighterjetjet fighterJetFighterjetsjoint strike fighterJoint Strike Fighter programJointStrikeFighterJointStrikeFighterProgrammilitarymilitary researchmilitary techmilitary technologiesmilitary technologyMilitaryResearchMilitaryTechMilitaryTechnologiesMilitaryTechnologynavynavy researchNavyResearchpentagonresearchus militaryus navyUsMilitaryUsNavyuvUV cloakuv raysUvCloakUvRayswar gadgetWarGadgetThu, 10 May 2012 07:32:00 EST<![CDATA[LASR: behind the curtain of the Navy's robotics laboratory]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/01/lasr-behind-the-curtain-of-the-navys-robotics-laboratory/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/01/lasr-behind-the-curtain-of-the-navys-robotics-laboratory/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/01/lasr-behind-the-curtain-of-the-navys-robotics-laboratory/#comments Image

I don't know all that much about the Naval Research Laboratory when I arrive in DC for "the public's first opportunity to look inside" the space's new $17 million Laboratory for Autonomous Systems Research (LASR). I give the cab driver the address, and he casually tells me that it "stinks," illustrating this notion with a universally familiar hand gesture. He means it literally, too - that you can smell the place, simply driving by in a cab, with the windows up. He says this with such assurance, such gusto, that I fully expect it to smell like the city dump. A wall of stink.

It's not much to go on, but it's something. And while I can thankfully report that his reaction was a bit overstated - at least on this particular day - there's certainly a distinct odor to the place. It's a sprawling 130-acre complex that sits sandwiched between the 295 freeway and the waters of the Potomac River; a series of nearly identical big, white buildings facing inward toward a grassy courtyard. On the way in, a space with what appears to be crushed cars is visible from the freeway.

Continue reading LASR: behind the curtain of the Navy's robotics laboratory

LASR: behind the curtain of the Navy's robotics laboratory originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autonomouslasrlucasnavalNaval Research LaboratoryNavalResearchLaboratorynavyrobotroboticsus navyUsNavywargadgetwashington dcWashingtonDcTue, 01 May 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Navy awards Aerovel Flexrotor contract to develop marine surveillance tech]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/01/navy-awards-aerovel-flexrotor-contract-marine-surveillance/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/01/navy-awards-aerovel-flexrotor-contract-marine-surveillance/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/01/navy-awards-aerovel-flexrotor-contract-marine-surveillance/#comments Navy awards Aerovel Flexrotor contract to develop marine surveillance tech

The high seas and UAVs go together like -- well, they go together really well. The Navy's cooking up 3D laser imaging technology for spotting pirates and the like, but it will need some aircraft for the task. Right on cue, a helicopter / airplane hybrid for maritime surveillance is inching toward reality. Aerovel's Flexrotor, an ultra-compact craft with a wing span of three meters (9.8 feet) and a weight of just 19.2 kg (42.3 lb), has already been demonstrated to switch between horizontal and vertical flight, but the next step is enhancing its propulsion system to improve its performance for longer distances and in windier conditions. Today the Office of Naval Research (ONR) awarded the company a contract for developing that tech. For now, you can check out a video of the Flexrotor's first test flight, which demoes the UAV transitioning from vertical and horizontal orientation and back again.

Continue reading Navy awards Aerovel Flexrotor contract to develop marine surveillance tech

Navy awards Aerovel Flexrotor contract to develop marine surveillance tech originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 May 2012 05:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aerovelaerovel flexrotorAerovelFlexrotoraircraftairplaneairplanesarmed forcesArmedForceshelicopterhelicoptersmarinesmaritimenavyONRsurveillanceUAVUAVsUAVs and dronesUavsAndDronesvideoTue, 01 May 2012 05:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Zero Trace gadget bags dodge 'digital exploitation,' schadenfreude]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/18/zero-trace-gadget-faraday-bags-on-sale/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/18/zero-trace-gadget-faraday-bags-on-sale/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/18/zero-trace-gadget-faraday-bags-on-sale/#comments zero trace faraday bagFaraday bags? Oh, yeah. For the sleuthing shyster in your life, Escape the Wolf has a new range of gadget cases that are engineered with one primary purpose: to avoid technical surveillance, mobile phone tracking and remote digital exploitation. As it turns out, these guys have been lurking undercover for just over a month now, but it looks as if they're now on sale to the masses -- civilians included. The Zero Traces line can hold both laptops and phones alike, with each piece capable of shielding GSM / CDMA, WiFi and Bluetooth devices from being "remotely exploited." The pain? Between $24.99 and $199.99, and you can part ways with varying levels of cash right there in the source link.

Zero Trace gadget bags dodge 'digital exploitation,' schadenfreude originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 01:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bagcasefaradaylaptop bagLaptopBagnavynavy sealNavySealprivacysecuritysurveillancewargadgetwolfWolf Zero TraceWolfZeroTracezero traceZeroTraceWed, 18 Apr 2012 01:52:00 EST<![CDATA[US Navy Fire Scouts will automatically spot pirates, give 30 seconds to comply]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/08/us-navy-fire-scouts-will-automatically-spot-pirates-give-30-sec/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/08/us-navy-fire-scouts-will-automatically-spot-pirates-give-30-sec/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/08/us-navy-fire-scouts-will-automatically-spot-pirates-give-30-sec/#comments US Navy Fire Scouts will automatically spot pirates, give 30 seconds to complyWar. What is it good for? Well, if new use of technology by the US Navy has anything to do with it, finding Pirates for a start. By upgrading its existing Fire Scouts with new 3D laser imaging tech, it's hoped that the drones will be able to recognize the small ships used by these unscrupulous seafarers. The system, known as LIDAR (Light Detection And Ranging, also known as LADAR) uses millions of laser pulses reflected off an object to create the three-dimensional image, which could then referenced against known pirate ships from a database. Ultimately, human operators will make the final call, to avoid any ED-209 style mis-understandings. That said, if you're taking the dingy out past the Californian breakwaters this summer, you might want to keep the stars and stripes in clear view, as that's where the Navy will be running its initial trials.

US Navy Fire Scouts will automatically spot pirates, give 30 seconds to comply originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 08 Apr 2012 09:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d image3dImagearmydefensedroneFire ScoutFireScoutLADARlaserLIDARmilitaryMQ-8MQ-8 Fire ScoutMq-8FireScoutMQ-9navypiratesreaperrobotrobot apocalypseRobotApocalypseuacuavunmanned aerial vehicleunmanned aircraftUnmannedAerialVehicleUnmannedAirUnmannedAircraftus navyUsNavywargadgetSun, 08 Apr 2012 09:24:00 EST<![CDATA[US Navy shows off its new LASR autonomous robot testing facility]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/02/us-navy-autonomous-robot-facility/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/02/us-navy-autonomous-robot-facility/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/02/us-navy-autonomous-robot-facility/#comments Image All the fun of the desert and the rainforest from the (relative) comfort of home? Sign us up. That's the promise offered by the admittedly awesomely named Laboratory for Autonomous Systems Research (that's LASR, for you abbreviators out there), first announced last month. The robotics lab, housed in a $17.7 million building at the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington DC, offers up around 50,000 square feet, a portion of which is aimed at reproducing some of the Earth's more extreme ecosystems to test out naval robotics. The facility is home to firefighting robots, swimming 'bots and hydrogen fuel cell-powered unmanned aircrafts, to name but a few.

The Naval Research Laboratory opened the doors of the massive facility up to members of the media today, and Engadget was on-hand along with a moderate sized gathering of fellow reporters. Included in the tour were two simulated environments. The Tropical High Bay is designed to mimic rainforest terrain, with flowing water, fog and climate controlled temperature and humidity. The Desert High Bay is a bit let complex in its environmental simulation, limited to a sand pit, rock way, and adjustable light, smoke and wind.

Meanwhile, an on-site indoor pool is used to challenge aquatic vehicles. Testers demonstrated the Pectoral Fin Swimmer - an autonomous bot inspired by the biological movements of fish, in order to access areas not reached by more traditional propel driven robots. Also on hand was Lucas, a Mobile, Dexterous, Social (MDS) humanoid robot [pictured above] with a Segway base. The laboratory demonstrated how the robot was capable of reasoning in a simulated firefighting scenario - and, equipped with an extinguisher, was capable of putting out a very real fire on the floor of the facility.

We'll have a more in-depth tour of the facility in the near future. In the meantime, check out a sneak-peek of what we saw in the gallery below.

Gallery: US Navy shows off its new LASR autonomous robot testing facility

US Navy shows off its new LASR autonomous robot testing facility

Continue reading US Navy shows off its new LASR autonomous robot testing facility

US Navy shows off its new LASR autonomous robot testing facility originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autonomouslasrlucasnavalNaval Research LaboratoryNavalResearchLaboratorynavyrobotroboticsus navyUsNavywargadgetwashington dcWashingtonDcMon, 02 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[US Navy LASR research facility builds robots, not ray guns]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/17/us-navy-lasr-research-facility-builds-robots-not-ray-guns/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/17/us-navy-lasr-research-facility-builds-robots-not-ray-guns/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/17/us-navy-lasr-research-facility-builds-robots-not-ray-guns/#comments US Navy LASR research facility builds robots, not ray gunsThe US Navy announced a new robotics research facility this week located within the existing Naval Research Laboratory's main site in Washington D.C. The Laboratory for Autonomous Systems Research, or LASR, was created to support NRL research in "robotics and autonomous systems of interest to the Navy, the Marine Corps and the Department of Defense," wrote LASR director Alan C. Shultz, mentioning that a familiar sounding autonomous firefighting robot would be among the lab's projects. The new facility is kitted out with a litany of realistic environmental simulation bays, allowing NRL scientists to pit their research against the elements with ease. Researchers will also have access to machine shops stocked with 3D printers and other goodies, a power and energy lab, a sensor lab and what Shultz calls the "world's largest space for real-time motion capture." Sounds great, at least as long as the research projects never get ahold of a certain Navy-funded AI report. Check out Shultz' official statement at the White House blog link below.

US Navy LASR research facility builds robots, not ray guns originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 17 Mar 2012 13:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3D printingAlan C. ShultzAlanC.ShultzIRobotLaboratory for Autonomous Systems ResearchLaboratoryForAutonomousSystemsResearchLASRMarinenavyroboticsrobotsSci/TechUnited States NavyUS NavyUsNavyWhitehouse.govSat, 17 Mar 2012 13:24:00 EST<![CDATA[SAFFiR: the autonomous, firefighting humanoid robot]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/11/saffir-autonomous-firefighting-humanoid-robot/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/11/saffir-autonomous-firefighting-humanoid-robot/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/11/saffir-autonomous-firefighting-humanoid-robot/#comments It took six years, but at long last, Anna Konda has a formidable firefighting partner. SAFFiR, also known as the Shipboard Autonomous Firefighting Robot, is being shaped by scientists at the Naval Research Laboratory. As the story goes, it's a humanoid robot that's being engineered to "move autonomously throughout the ship, interact with people, and fight fires, handling many of the dangerous firefighting tasks that are normally performed by humans." Outside of being stoic (and brawny) from tip to tip, it's also outfitted with multi-modal sensor technology for advanced navigation and a sensor suite that includes a camera, gas sensor, and stereo IR camera to enable it to see through smoke. We're told that its internal batteries can keep it cranking for a solid half-hour, while being capable of manipulating fire suppressors and throwing propelled extinguishing agent technology (PEAT) grenades. Wilder still, it'll be able to balance in "sea conditions," making it perfect for killing flames while onboard a ship. Of course, it's also being tweaked to work with a robotic team, giving it undercover powers to eventually turn the flames on the folks that created it. Paranoid? Maybe. But who are we to be too careful?

Update: Turns out, the same Dr. Hong that we had on The Engadget Show is responsible for this guy as well. It's the next step in evolution of the CHARLI humanoid, and the two photos seen after the break are credited to RoMeLa: Robotics & Mechanisms Laboratory, Virginia Tech.

Continue reading SAFFiR: the autonomous, firefighting humanoid robot

SAFFiR: the autonomous, firefighting humanoid robot originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 11 Mar 2012 19:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fireFirefightinggrenadehumanoidmilitarynavalNaval Research LaboratoryNavalResearchLaboratorynavyNRLPEATresearchrobotsafetySAFFiRscientistscientistsShadwellshipboardUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversityOfPennsylvaniaususaVirginia TechVirginiaTechwarwargadgetSun, 11 Mar 2012 19:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Navy test-fires weaponized railgun with explosive results (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/29/railgun-test-fire-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/29/railgun-test-fire-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/29/railgun-test-fire-video/#comments
You're about to watch a test firing of BAE's experimental railgun demonstrating why the technology isn't science fiction anymore. Load an aluminum projectile into the 12-meter barrel and one million amps will hypersonically propel it toward the target. The conflagration you'll witness is due to the metal slug burning off in the charged air. In April, General Atomics will supply its own prototype so the military can identify which one is closer to making its way aboard the battleships of the 2020's. Anyway, now you can go watch the video fully aware of what's going on, try not to sit there with your mouth open.

Continue reading Navy test-fires weaponized railgun with explosive results (video)

Navy test-fires weaponized railgun with explosive results (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 12:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BAE SystemsBaeSystemsElectromagnetic Rail GunElectromagneticRailGunGauss CannonGaussCannonGeneral AtomicsGeneralAtomicsMilitaryNavalNavyRail GunRailgunUS NavyUsNavyVelocitas EradicoVelocitasEradicovideoWargadgetWeaponWeapon SystemWeaponSystemWed, 29 Feb 2012 12:46:00 EST<![CDATA[US Navy ship-mounted railgun closer to reality, Raytheon and others to make it happen]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/30/us-navy-ship-mounted-railgun-built-by-raytheon/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/30/us-navy-ship-mounted-railgun-built-by-raytheon/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/30/us-navy-ship-mounted-railgun-built-by-raytheon/#comments Ah, the railgun. Previously a flight of fancy fit only for wars in works of science fiction, the ultimate in electromagnetic weaponry is one step closer to becoming a reality for the US Navy. We've seen the system working well in the lab, but Raytheon has just gotten $10 million to create the pulse-forming network needed to get a railgun flinging projectiles off the deck of a Naval warship. Making such a network isn't easy, as it must store massive amounts of energy in a small enough package that it can be "used in a modular and versatile way for multiple platforms" -- so that some day, even dinghies will have 33-megajoule stopping power on board. In addition to Raytheon's pulse-forming framework project, the Navy has already tasked BAE and General Atomics to design tactical technologies that'll get future railguns firing up to ten rounds per minute. When can we expect to see such kinetic weapons on the high seas? The goal is 2025, but naturally, finances and politics will dictate its date of deployment, so keep your fingers crossed it's sooner, rather than later.

US Navy ship-mounted railgun closer to reality, Raytheon and others to make it happen originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electromagnetic rail gunElectromagneticRailGungaussgauss cannonGaussCannonnavyrail gunRailGunraytheonus navyUsNavyvideowargadgetweaponsweapons systemWeaponsSystemMon, 30 Jan 2012 16:25:00 EST<![CDATA[It's not a flying fish, it's a submarine-launched UAV]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/28/its-not-a-flying-fish-its-a-submarine-launched-uav/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/28/its-not-a-flying-fish-its-a-submarine-launched-uav/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/28/its-not-a-flying-fish-its-a-submarine-launched-uav/#comments VTOL may be old news already, but here's another great USP for any UAV: the ability to launch from a submerged submarine. The technology is still in development, but the Navy wants to try it from periscope depth during exercises in the Pacific Ocean next year. If all goes to plan, a Switchblade folding-wing drone will be ejected from the submarine's trash disposal unit and then carried to the surface by an SLV ('submerged launch vehicle'), which will keep it dry, point it into the wind and then hurl it heavenwards so it can go a-snooping. Whether the experiment succeeds or fails, we've glimpsed a worrying possibility: submarines are capable of dumping their trash right into the ocean. Until now, we sort of assumed they took it home with them.

It's not a flying fish, it's a submarine-launched UAV originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Dec 2011 09:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AeroVironmentAeroVironment SwitchbladeAerovironmentSwitchbladedronemilitarymilitary exerciseMilitaryExerciseNavyRaytheonrimpacRIMPAC 2012Rimpac2012SLVspy planeSpyPlanesubmarinesubmerged launch vehicleSubmergedLaunchVehicleSwitchbladeUAVunderwaterunmanned aerial vehicleUnmannedAerialVehiclewargadgetWed, 28 Dec 2011 09:25:00 EST<![CDATA[US Navy's electromagnetic railgun hits testing milestone: 1,000 shots fired]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/01/us-navys-electromagnetic-railgun-hits-testing-milestone-1-000/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/01/us-navys-electromagnetic-railgun-hits-testing-milestone-1-000/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/01/us-navys-electromagnetic-railgun-hits-testing-milestone-1-000/#comments If there's one thing you want your multi-million dollar electromagnetic railgun to be, it's reliable, and the US Navy announced today that it's reached a key milestone towards that goal. It's now successfully fired its prototype gun 1,000 times, which translates to as many as 15 shots per week. In recent years, those tests have generally been conducted at a 1.5 megajoule launch energy, which the Navy puts into perspective by noting that "a one-ton vehicle moving at 100 mph has approximately one megajoule of kinetic energy." Eventually, the Navy hopes to install even more advanced and far more powerful railgun weapons systems on ships, although the project's future remains a bit up in the air given some recent funding battles in the US Senate.

Continue reading US Navy's electromagnetic railgun hits testing milestone: 1,000 shots fired

US Navy's electromagnetic railgun hits testing milestone: 1,000 shots fired originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 Nov 2011 14:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electromagnetic rail gunElectromagneticRailGunnavyrail gunRailGunus navyUsNavywargadgetweaponweapon systemsweaponsweapons systemWeaponsSystemWeaponSystemsTue, 01 Nov 2011 14:52:00 EST<![CDATA[K-MAX unmanned chopper delivers Air Force salute to Afghan danger (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/06/k-max-robotic-chopper-delivers-airmans-salute-to-afghan-danger/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/06/k-max-robotic-chopper-delivers-airmans-salute-to-afghan-danger/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/06/k-max-robotic-chopper-delivers-airmans-salute-to-afghan-danger/#comments It's a year since Lockheed Martin won the contract to provide an unmanned cargo delivery system to the US military and now its first K-MAX helicopter is just about ready for duty. The 6,000-pound RC chopper is scheduled to journey to the manifold fronts of Afghanistan next month, where it'll get busy ferrying its own bodyweight in ammo and supplies to needy anthills up to 200km away. And, if things get too sticky for laptop flying, there's always room for a brave soul to jump in there and grab the controls. You'll find a fresh demo video after the break, plus we've also stuck in that fancy clip from last year to rotor your memory.

Continue reading K-MAX unmanned chopper delivers Air Force salute to Afghan danger (video)

K-MAX unmanned chopper delivers Air Force salute to Afghan danger (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Oct 2011 08:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ArmychopperhelicopterK-MAXKamanLockheedNavyRCunmannedUS ArmyUS NavyUsArmyUsNavywar gadgetwargadgetThu, 06 Oct 2011 08:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Boeing and BAE partner to put a laser on a machine gun, make the world a better place]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/27/boeing-and-bae-partner-to-put-a-laser-on-a-machine-gun-make-the/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/27/boeing-and-bae-partner-to-put-a-laser-on-a-machine-gun-make-the/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/27/boeing-and-bae-partner-to-put-a-laser-on-a-machine-gun-make-the/#comments Automated, computer-targeting machine guns are okay in a pinch, but sometimes putting 180 25mm slugs down range every minute just isn't enough. Sometimes you need a little more energy, and that's when you strap a laser on the thing. Boeing and BAE are partnering up to take the existing Mk 38 Mod 2 Machine Gun System, which offers a 25mm M242 barrel, and pair it with Boeing's directed energy system. The resulting beautiful machine is called the Mk 38 Mod 2 Tactical Laser System, offering the ability to fling both hot metal and even hotter photons against whatever targets would dare come in range. This integration is said to allow for these upgraded turrets to be easily installed and controlled on our naval vessels, vessels that are, for now, still stuck on the water. Apparently we're still a few years away from the Wave Motion Engine and FTL battleship travel.

Continue reading Boeing and BAE partner to put a laser on a machine gun, make the world a better place

Boeing and BAE partner to put a laser on a machine gun, make the world a better place originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Jul 2011 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baeboeingdirected energy systemDirectedEnergySystemlasermachine gunMachineGunMk 38 Mod 2Mk 38 Mod 2 Tactical Laser SystemMk38Mod2Mk38Mod2TacticalLaserSystemnaval vesselNavalVesselnavyturretu.s. navyU.s.NavyvideowargadgetWed, 27 Jul 2011 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Navy tests bacteria-powered hydrogen fuel cell, could start monitoring your underwater fight club]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/07/navy-tests-bacteria-powered-hydrogen-fuel-cell-could-start-moni/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/07/navy-tests-bacteria-powered-hydrogen-fuel-cell-could-start-moni/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/07/navy-tests-bacteria-powered-hydrogen-fuel-cell-could-start-moni/#commentsMicrobial fuel cells aren't exactly new, but microbial fuel cells scouring the ocean floor? Now that's an initiative we can get behind. The Naval Research Laboratory is currently toying around with a so-called Zero Power Ballast Control off the coast of Thailand, presumably looking for treasures dropped from the speedboat of one "Alan Garner." Purportedly, the newfangled hydrogen fuel cell relies on bacteria to provide variable buoyancy, which allows an autonomous ocean sensor to move up and down water columns with little to no effort. Furthermore, it's able to get its energy from microbial metabolism (yeah, we're talking about hot air), and while it's mostly being used to measure things like temperature and pressure, it could be repurposed for more seirous tasks -- like mine detection. There's no clear word yet on when America's Navy will have access to this stuff, but if we had to guess, they've probably be using it behind our backs for the better part of a score.

[Image courtesy of U.S. Navy Reserve / Tom Boyd]

Navy tests bacteria-powered hydrogen fuel cell, could start monitoring your underwater fight club originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 07 Jul 2011 20:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autonomousBacteriabathythermographfuel cellFuelCellhydrogenhydrogen fuel cellHydrogenFuelCellmilitaryNaval Research LaboratoryNavalResearchLaboratorynavyoceanocean sensorOceanSensorsciencesensorsensorsusus militaryusaUsMilitarywaterZero Power Ballast ControlZeroPowerBallastControlThu, 07 Jul 2011 20:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Navy blends Jet A and algae-based biofuel, uses it to power Seahawk chopper (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/24/navy-blends-jet-a-and-algae-based-biofuel-uses-it-to-power-seah/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/24/navy-blends-jet-a-and-algae-based-biofuel-uses-it-to-power-seah/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/24/navy-blends-jet-a-and-algae-based-biofuel-uses-it-to-power-seah/#comments
Considering that helicopters are entirely dependent on a spinning rotor to remain in the air, an MH-60S Seahawk doesn't exactly seem the most likely candidate for experimental fuel. That didn't seem to stop the US Navy, however, which successfully completed a test flight with a 50 / 50 blend of algae-based biofuel and Jet A (traditionally the flavor of choice for turbine-based aircraft). The mixture used is known as Solajet HRJ-5 Jet fuel, which doesn't quite have the same ring to it as good ole Jet A -- but it does happen to be based on a renewable resource and managed to keep the rotor spinning. There's no word on how much the new fuel costs to produce or when it might be ready for commercial use, but if all goes to plan, we may soon be using the green stuff for more than just sushi rolls and miso soup.

Continue reading Navy blends Jet A and algae-based biofuel, uses it to power Seahawk chopper (video)

Navy blends Jet A and algae-based biofuel, uses it to power Seahawk chopper (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 24 Jun 2011 02:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aircraftalternative energyalternative fuelAlternativeEnergyAlternativeFuelaviationChopperexperimentalflyingfuelhelicopternavySolajetsolazymesolazyme SolajetSolazymeSolajetus navyUsNavyvideowargadgetFri, 24 Jun 2011 02:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Senate denies Navy's missile-destroying laser funding, puts the kibosh on annoying Dr. Evil impressions]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/19/senate-denies-navys-missile-shooting-laser-funding-puts-the-ki/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/19/senate-denies-navys-missile-shooting-laser-funding-puts-the-ki/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/19/senate-denies-navys-missile-shooting-laser-funding-puts-the-ki/#comments Leave it to the Senate to crush the military's fragile dreams. All the Navy ever really wanted was a giant ship-based laser that could be used to shoot down missiles. Despite some record breaking stats, however, the latest defense authorization bill handed down from the Senate Armed Services Committee throws a giant congressional wet blanket on the free-electron laser. The project, it seems, has simply proven too expensive -- among other things, the laser's researchers haven't found the ideal method for powering the weapon from a ship. According to the current timeline, the project was not likely to have been completed before 2020, and as such the Navy's request for further funding was, somewhat ironically, ultimately shot down.

Senate denies Navy's missile-destroying laser funding, puts the kibosh on annoying Dr. Evil impressions originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 19 Jun 2011 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>death rayDeathRayfree electron laserfree-electron laserFree-electronLaserFreeElectronLaserfundinglaserlaser weaponlasersLaserWeaponnavysenateSenate Armed Services CommitteeSenateArmedServicesCommitteeus navyUsNavywargadgetweaponSun, 19 Jun 2011 13:32:00 EST<![CDATA[US government contractor developing 'microwave gun,' Hot Pockets tremble]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/16/us-government-contractor-developing-microwave-gun-hot-pockets/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/16/us-government-contractor-developing-microwave-gun-hot-pockets/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/16/us-government-contractor-developing-microwave-gun-hot-pockets/#comments
Ah, the beloved "electronic bomb," able to disable all technology in its vicinity: variations on the concept go way back, but useful prototypes remain tantalizingly out of reach. Into the breach steps defense contractor BAE Systems, taking a fresh crack with a High-Powered Microwave (HPM) gun intended to disable small boat engines - if successful, the technology may also target ships, UAVs, and missile payloads. The secret-shrouded weapon sounds similar to Boeing's planned airborne EMP weapon, but lacking the missile delivery systems. BAE seems to be betting big on electromagnetic warfare as a future battlefield tactic, with a manager pitching the sci-fi scene to Aviation Week:
"Unlike lasers, HPM beams don't need a lot of accuracy. With a fan [of HPM energy] you can target 10-30 small boats. If you can knock out 50-75% of the engines in a swarm, you can then concentrate on the remainder with lasers or kinetic [cannons]."
To develop better defenses against such attacks, the contractor received $150,000 from the Air Force to test-fire microwaves at military computers. No word on whether said defenses involve generous use of tin foil.

US government contractor developing 'microwave gun,' Hot Pockets tremble originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 16 Apr 2011 16:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>air forceAirForcearmyBEAElectromagnetic PulseElectromagneticPulseempgunhigh-powered microwaveHigh-poweredMicrowaveHPMmicrowavemicrowavesmilitarymilitary techMilitaryTechnavyoceans elevenOceansElevenray gunRayGunwar techwargadgetWarTechSat, 16 Apr 2011 16:09:00 EST<![CDATA[iRobot agrees to provide US Navy with bomb disposal and recon bots in a deal worth up to $230 million]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/13/irobot-agrees-to-provide-us-navy-with-bomb-disposal-and-recon-bo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/13/irobot-agrees-to-provide-us-navy-with-bomb-disposal-and-recon-bo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/13/irobot-agrees-to-provide-us-navy-with-bomb-disposal-and-recon-bo/#comments iRobot may still be best known as the creator of the homely Roomba vacuum-cleaning drone, but savvy readers will know the company's endeavors span a pretty broad range of robot-related activities. One of those has now borne fruit in the shape of a multiyear agreement with the US Navy for the provision of "portable robotic systems" that can identify and dispose of explosives while also performing a bit of reconnaissance work in their spare time. The announcement doesn't tell us the particular model(s) or number of bots that will be provided, but there is clarification to say that iRobot will be responsible for providing spares, repairs, training, and accessories along with the hardware, with the total revenue for the company potentially swelling to $230 million over the full course of the contract, which lasts through 2015. Our guess is that the "throwable" robot shown off a couple of weeks back would be a good candidate for this task, though we doubt it'll be thanking us for endorsing it for such perilous work.

iRobot agrees to provide US Navy with bomb disposal and recon bots in a deal worth up to $230 million originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 13 Apr 2011 10:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agreementbombbomb disposalBombDisposalbombsbotcontractdealdroneexplosivesirobotmilitarynavypentagonreconrecon botReconBotreconnaissancerobotrobotswargadgetWed, 13 Apr 2011 10:24:00 EST<![CDATA[US Navy's solid-state laser sets boat ablaze (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/10/us-navys-solid-state-laser-sets-boat-ablaze-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/10/us-navys-solid-state-laser-sets-boat-ablaze-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/10/us-navys-solid-state-laser-sets-boat-ablaze-video/#comments See that flaming wreckage in the picture above? A laser did that, mounted on board a second vessel similarly bobbing on top of the ocean last week. Yes, even though the United States Navy told us that legitimate seafaring death rays might take another decade to materialize, basic weaponized lasers are ready today, as the 15-kilowatt gun attached to the USS Paul Foster happily demonstrates. Of course, as you'll see in the video after the break, a beam of such minimal power takes a moment to burn through even an unshielded engine and ignite the fuel therein -- once we get some 100+ kilowatt lasers up in there, we shouldn't have such problems.

Continue reading US Navy's solid-state laser sets boat ablaze (video)

US Navy's solid-state laser sets boat ablaze (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 10 Apr 2011 21:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>burnfirelaserlasersmilitarynavyoffice of naval researchOfficeOfNavalResearchONRsolid statesolid state laserSolidStateSolidStateLaserUS navyUsNavyvideowargadgetweaponweaponsSun, 10 Apr 2011 21:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Download DARPA's sub-hunting sim, help train its ACTUV automaton]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/08/download-darpas-sub-hunting-sim-help-train-its-actuv-automaton/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/08/download-darpas-sub-hunting-sim-help-train-its-actuv-automaton/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/08/download-darpas-sub-hunting-sim-help-train-its-actuv-automaton/#comments DARPA dabbles in all matter of defense drones, and it's no stranger to leveraging the wisdom of the masses to help develop tomorrow's military machinery. The agency's latest program to go the crowdsourcing route is its Anti-submarine Warfare Continuous Trail Unmanned Vessel (ACTUV), and it wants you to help develop the software that'll control the thing. DARPA's borrowed a bit of the Sonalysts Combat Simulations Dangerous Waters game to create the ACTUV Tactics Simulator, where players complete missions tracking a target sub while navigating through and around commercial ocean traffic. Would-be captains can then choose to submit their strategies and game data to DARPA for use in shoring up the autonomous seabot's strategic submarine pursuit software. Hit the source link for a free download and dive into the sub-hunting action.

Download DARPA's sub-hunting sim, help train its ACTUV automaton originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 23:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ACTUVACTUV tactics simulatorActuvTacticsSimulatorACUTUV x shipacutuv x-shipAcutuvX-shipAcutuvXShipautonomousboatcrowdsourcecrowdsourcingDARPAmilitarynavyrobotshipsimsimulationsimulatorsoftwaresubmarinetrackingwargadgetFri, 08 Apr 2011 23:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Future Navy lasers will 'burn incoming missiles,' blast through ominous vessels]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/29/future-navy-lasers-will-burn-incoming-missiles-blast-through/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/29/future-navy-lasers-will-burn-incoming-missiles-blast-through/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/29/future-navy-lasers-will-burn-incoming-missiles-blast-through/#commentsThe United States Navy has been working on next-gen weaponry ever since the last-gen was present-gen, and if the next next-gen ever actually arrives, well... we don't stand a chance at lasting very long. According to Wired, the Navy's Office of Naval Research is expecting laser technology (as it relates to weaponry) to mature in the next score, and if all goes well, a free-electron laser could be mounted on a ship during the 2020s. As of now, FELs produce a 14-kilowatt beam, but that figure needs to hit 100+ in order to seriously defend a ship; unfortunately for those who adore peace, it seems we're well on our way to having just that. When it's complete, these outrageous pieces of artillery will be capable of "burning incoming missiles out of the sky [and] zapping through an enemy vessel's hull." Something tells us that whole "You Sunk My Battleship" meme is just years from reappearing in grand fashion.

Future Navy lasers will 'burn incoming missiles,' blast through ominous vessels originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 12:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-electron laserFree-electronLasergovernmentgunlasermilitarynavysteelususawargadgetweaponweaponryTue, 29 Mar 2011 12:47:00 EST<![CDATA[US Navy explains basic mechanical principles of a fire control computer -- in 1953 (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/14/us-navy-explains-basic-mechanical-principles-of-a-fire-control-c/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/14/us-navy-explains-basic-mechanical-principles-of-a-fire-control-c/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/14/us-navy-explains-basic-mechanical-principles-of-a-fire-control-c/#comments
Bits, bytes and silicon transistors? Boy, you have it good -- back in 1953, state-of-the-art computers were made of gears, sprockets, chains and cams, and we trusted them to accurately wreck lives with ginormous naval guns. If you're wondering how that could possibly work, you don't have to go far -- a series of seven videos after the break show you how it was done, and which might even ingratiate you with the grizzled old neighbor who desperately wants you off his lawn.

Continue reading US Navy explains basic mechanical principles of a fire control computer -- in 1953 (video)

US Navy explains basic mechanical principles of a fire control computer -- in 1953 (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 Mar 2011 21:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camscastingcogcogscomputerfire controlfire control computerFireControlFireControlComputergeargearsmechanicalmechanical computerMechanicalComputermilitarynavalNavyMon, 14 Mar 2011 21:42:00 EST<![CDATA[US Navy's free-electron laser breaks another record, takes aim at missiles next]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/21/us-navys-free-electron-laser-breaks-another-record-takes-aim-a/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/21/us-navys-free-electron-laser-breaks-another-record-takes-aim-a/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/21/us-navys-free-electron-laser-breaks-another-record-takes-aim-a/#comments The US Navy's free-electron laser has broken a few records already, but it's just plowed through another fairly big one -- one that its creators say could put it on the fast track to actually being used to shoot down missiles. That particular record involved running the system for eight hours at 500 kilovolts, which is a level they've been trying to achieve for the past six years and, according to the researchers, "definitely shortens" the time frame for getting to their ultimate goal of 100 kilowatts. What's more, while this particular test didn't actually involve blowing anything up, the Navy seems confident that the laser will eventually be able to do just that, as it's just recently awarded Boeing a $163 million contract to package the laser in a weapons system that would be deployed on ships and be able to detect, track, and destroy missiles (or presumably anything else ). According the Office of Naval Research, the Navy hopes to meet that goal by 2015.

[Image: Wired / Danger Room]

US Navy's free-electron laser breaks another record, takes aim at missiles next originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Feb 2011 13:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boeingdeath rayDeathRayfree electron laserfree-electron laserFree-electronLaserFreeElectronLaserjefferson labsJeffersonLabslaserlaser weaponlasersLaserWeaponnavyus navyUsNavywargadgetweaponMon, 21 Feb 2011 13:18:00 EST<![CDATA[X-47B unmanned stealth bomber completes its first flight (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/07/x-47b-unmanned-stealth-bomber-completes-its-first-flight-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/07/x-47b-unmanned-stealth-bomber-completes-its-first-flight-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/07/x-47b-unmanned-stealth-bomber-completes-its-first-flight-video/#comments
The evil geniuses at Northrop Grumman successfully completed the first flight of its X-47B unmanned stealth bomber a few days ago at Edwards Air Force Base in Edwards, California. In the air for a full twenty-nine minutes, the tailless, fighter-sized UAV flew to 5,000 feet and completed several racetrack-type patterns, before landing safely at 2:38 pm PST. The aircraft will continue to undergo tests at Edwards AFB before heading to Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, later this year. The ultimate goal is to get this bad boy taking off and landing on US Navy carriers. Carrier trials are currently slated for sometime in 2013. Video, PR after the break.

Continue reading X-47B unmanned stealth bomber completes its first flight (video)

X-47B unmanned stealth bomber completes its first flight (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 Feb 2011 13:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>defensedronenavyNorthrop GrummanNorthropGrummanuaeuawunmanned aircraftUnmannedAircraftus navyUsNavyvideowargadgetx-47bx-47b stealth fighterX-47bStealthFighterMon, 07 Feb 2011 13:49:00 EST<![CDATA[NAVY SEALs getting fancy LCD sunglasses, will surely show up as DLC in next SOCOM game]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/31/navy-seals-getting-fancy-lcd-sunglasses-will-surely-show-up-as/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/31/navy-seals-getting-fancy-lcd-sunglasses-will-surely-show-up-as/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/31/navy-seals-getting-fancy-lcd-sunglasses-will-surely-show-up-as/#commentsNAVY SEALs getting fancy LCD sunglasses, will surely show up as DLC in next SOCOM game We're still a few years away from getting some consumer-friendly LCD sunglasses, but wouldn't you know it the military's already rocking a pair. The Office of Naval Research TechSolutions department has delivered the first 30 sets of what it calls Fast-Tint Protective Eyewear (FTPE). They can change tint automatically based on exterior light, much like currently available prescription glasses, but thanks to their LCD construction can go from dark to clear in just a half-second. This means a SEAL squad could blow a door and infiltrate a room without having to ask the terrorists to hold their fire while everyone takes off their shades. Initial reports are good and SOCOM is planning on buying another 100 sets. Maybe by the time they're delivered someone will release a picture of the things and we won't have to use a random photo of camouflage shades like this one.

Update: Travis wrote in with a link to James Vaughan Photography, which has a few photos of prototype versions of these glasses. We've grabbed one.

[Image Credit: James Vaughan Photography]

Continue reading NAVY SEALs getting fancy LCD sunglasses, will surely show up as DLC in next SOCOM game

NAVY SEALs getting fancy LCD sunglasses, will surely show up as DLC in next SOCOM game originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 31 Jan 2011 22:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lcdlcd sunglassesLcdSunglassesnavynavy sealsNavySealsoffice of naval researchOfficeOfNavalResearchonrsocomsunglassestechsolutionsus navyUsNavywargadgetMon, 31 Jan 2011 22:11:00 EST<![CDATA[AIRPrint performs ranged fingerprint scanning, won't let the terrorists win]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/18/airprint-performs-ranged-fingerprint-scanning-wont-let-the-ter/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/18/airprint-performs-ranged-fingerprint-scanning-wont-let-the-ter/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/18/airprint-performs-ranged-fingerprint-scanning-wont-let-the-ter/#comments While ears may be the new biometric du jour, Advanced Optical Systems (AOS) is doing its best to keep fingerprints as the preferred method for identifying enemies of the state. The company has built a fingerprint scanner with the ability to accurately read a print up to two meters away, and our military views the system as a means to reduce the risk to soldiers at security checkpoints all over the world. The AIRPrint system is a significant upgrade over previous biometric security systems because it allows a person's identity to be confirmed by military personnel from behind the safety of a blast wall or armored vehicle, which keeps our serviceman out of harm's way. AIRPrint uses a source of polarized light and two 1.3 megapixel cameras (one to receive vertically polarized light and another to receive horizontally polarized light) in order to produce an accurate fingerprint. The prototype is able to scan and verify a print in under five seconds, but the device can presently only process one finger at a time, and that finger must stay a fixed distance from the cameras to get a precise reading. Despite these current limitations, AOS claims that soon the equipment will be capable of reading five prints simultaneously while a person is moving toward or away from the device. The system will be ready for market in the third quarter of this year, which is bad news for terrorists and soccer hooligans, but a windfall for Big Brother.

AIRPrint performs ranged fingerprint scanning, won't let the terrorists win originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 Jan 2011 07:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advanced optical systemsAdvancedOpticalSystemsair forceAirForceAIRPrintAOSarmybiometricbiometricsfingerprintfingerprint scannerFingerprintScannermarinesmilitarymilitary techMilitaryTechnavysecuritysurveillanceTue, 18 Jan 2011 07:12:00 EST<![CDATA[US Navy's Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System launches first fighter jet (update: video!)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/21/us-navys-electromagnetic-aircraft-launch-system-launches-first/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/21/us-navys-electromagnetic-aircraft-launch-system-launches-first/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/21/us-navys-electromagnetic-aircraft-launch-system-launches-first/#comments
For more than 50 years, the on-ramp to the highway to the danger zone was a steam catapult that launched fighter jets from an aircraft carrier, but it looks like that could soon be set to change. The U.S. Navy just announced yesterday that its Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System, or EMALS, has passed a key test by launching a manned F/A-18E Super Hornet for the first time (several more successful launches then followed). Among other advantages, that system promises to allow the Navy to launch a wider range of aircraft from a carrier -- including everything from lightweight unmanned aircraft to heavy strike fighters -- and do so while also bringing "substantial improvements" to weight, maintenance, and efficiency. Head on past the break for the official announcement (sorry no video).

Update: We spoke too soon, video is now after the break! You'll have to supply your own Kenny Loggins soundtrack, though.

[Thanks, Fionn]

Continue reading US Navy's Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System launches first fighter jet (update: video!)

US Navy's Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System launches first fighter jet (update: video!) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Dec 2010 15:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aircraftaircraft carrierAircraftCarrierdanger zoneDangerZoneElectromagnetic Aircraft Launch SystemElectromagneticAircraftLaunchSystemEMALSFA-18E Super HornetFa-18eSuperHornetmilitarynavysuper hornetSuperHornetus navyUsNavyvideowargadgetTue, 21 Dec 2010 15:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Navy's prototype rail gun projectile hits mach 7 at 33 megajoules, our hearts skip a beat (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/11/navys-prototype-rail-gun-projectile-hits-mach-7-at-33-megajoule/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/11/navys-prototype-rail-gun-projectile-hits-mach-7-at-33-megajoule/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/11/navys-prototype-rail-gun-projectile-hits-mach-7-at-33-megajoule/#commentshttp://www.engadget.com/2010/12/11/navys-prototype-rail-gun-projectile-hits-mach-7-at-33-megajoule/ Rail guns play a major part in nearly every fanciful battle of the future, whether it be giant robots fighting for control of the Inner Sphere or the last remaining member of Noble Team holding off the Covenant invasion for as long as possible. They're the stuff of geeky dreams, and thanks to the US Navy they're closer to deployment than ever. Three years ago our sea-borne force managed an 8 megajoule blast, now its researchers have more than quadrupled that: 33 megajoules accelerating a projectile using magnets. That power means speeds of Mach 7 for the slug and a current range of 100 miles, though the hope is for at least double that by the time these things start finding themselves mounted on the decks of battleships in 2025. At that point they'll reduce the need for rooms full of powder charges and the associated dangers that come along with explosive shells, but will instead need to make way for what looks to be a warehouse full of capacitors. There's a video of the thing in action below, and you'll be sorry if you miss it.

[Thanks, Jacob L.]

Continue reading Navy's prototype rail gun projectile hits mach 7 at 33 megajoules, our hearts skip a beat (video)

Navy's prototype rail gun projectile hits mach 7 at 33 megajoules, our hearts skip a beat (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 11 Dec 2010 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electro magnetElectroMagnetgaussgauss rifleGaussRiflemagnetmilitarynavyrail gunRailGunrifleus navyUsNavyvideowargadgetweaponSat, 11 Dec 2010 15:31:00 EST<![CDATA[US Navy working to make drones laser-proof]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/04/us-navy-working-to-make-drones-laser-proof/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/04/us-navy-working-to-make-drones-laser-proof/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/04/us-navy-working-to-make-drones-laser-proof/#comments
No, you're not looking at a still from a purported UFO video. That's an unmanned drone that the US Navy recently shot down with a prototype laser weapon. While that test was a runaway success, it looks like the Navy is now already going the extra mile -- it's begun work on making its drones laser-proof to guard against such weapons eventually winding up in the wrong hands. That's still in the earliest stages, but the Navy has already recruited California-based Adsys Controls and Texas-based Nanohmics to work on the project, which will apparently allow drones to both spot laser weapons before they're fired and deploy countermeasures to avoid being tracked. Head on past the break to see what happens when a drone gets hit by one of the weapons.

Continue reading US Navy working to make drones laser-proof

US Navy working to make drones laser-proof originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Aug 2010 08:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dewdirected energy weaponDirectedEnergyWeapondronedroneslaserlaser-proofmilitarynavypew pewPewPewuavus navyUsNavyvideowargadgetWed, 04 Aug 2010 08:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Lockheed Martin, Navy team up to deploy communications buoys for submarines]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/12/lockheed-martin-navy-team-up-to-deploy-communications-buoys-for/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/12/lockheed-martin-navy-team-up-to-deploy-communications-buoys-for/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/12/lockheed-martin-navy-team-up-to-deploy-communications-buoys-for/#comments Lockheed Martin has announced that it's completed a critical design review for a system that enables submarine communication while below periscope depth. Part of the US Navy's Communications at Speed and Depth Program, buoys are launched by the sub, which can then connect nearby to military networks or satellites. The 40-inch long buoys can either be launched from the sub itself, shuttling data back and forth via miles-long cables, or dropped from aircraft. If the latter, communications is established using an acoustic messaging system similar to SONAR. Now that the review is complete, the team will begin producing hardware with an eye toward delivering engineering design models early next year. PR after the break.

Continue reading Lockheed Martin, Navy team up to deploy communications buoys for submarines

Lockheed Martin, Navy team up to deploy communications buoys for submarines originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Jul 2010 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buoyCommunications at Speed and Depth ProgramCommunicationsAtSpeedAndDepthProgramdatadefenselockheed martinLockheedMartinnavynetworkingsubsubmarinewargadgetMon, 12 Jul 2010 19:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Navy successfully tests laser-equipped robot, freaks us out in the process]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/01/navy-successfully-tests-laser-equipped-robot-freaks-us-out-in-t/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/01/navy-successfully-tests-laser-equipped-robot-freaks-us-out-in-t/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/01/navy-successfully-tests-laser-equipped-robot-freaks-us-out-in-t/#comments
We do not like where this is heading, not one bit. The Navy has been testing laser-armed robotic gun turrets for a while, and now the Register (UK) is reporting that the technology has finally been used to knock a drone out of the sky, "in an over-the-water, combat representative scenario" at San Nicolas Island. Raytheon's Phalanx CIWS, generally outfitted with a 20mm Gatling gun, is a ship's last line of defense against incoming missiles. If they can be outfitted with lasers, there will be two distinct advantages: first, they wouldn't have to be reloaded; and second, when used on land, the surrounding area won't be littered with quite so much debris (shrapnel and unexploded rounds). Then again, we can think of one distinct disadvantage: there will be robots running around with laser cannons!

Navy successfully tests laser-equipped robot, freaks us out in the process originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 Jun 2010 15:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>defenselaserlaser cannonLaserCannonnavyPhalanxPhalanx CIWSPhalanxCiwsraytheonrobotrobot apocalypserobot gun turretRobotApocalypseRobotGunTurretwargadgetTue, 01 Jun 2010 15:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Navy Surgeon General eyes Wii Fit, Dance Dance Revolution for boot camp]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/navy-surgeon-general-eyes-wii-fit-dance-dance-revolution-for-bo/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/navy-surgeon-general-eyes-wii-fit-dance-dance-revolution-for-bo/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/navy-surgeon-general-eyes-wii-fit-dance-dance-revolution-for-bo/#commentsWe understand that Wii Fit has dubious health benefits at best (whatever CTA Digital might say top the contrary), but apparently word hasn't reached the Navy's top brass. According to the Navy Times, recruits need more work than ever before to get into fighting shape, "given that many young people prefer computers and video games" to sports and physical activity. The solution, says Navy Surgeon General Vice Adm. Adam Robinson, is to use break in would-be sailers slowly, introducing "the equivalents of Nintendo's Wii Fit or Konami's Dance Dance Revolution" in basic training. This sounds rather silly to us, but what do we know? We're lovers, not fighters.

Navy Surgeon General eyes Wii Fit, Dance Dance Revolution for boot camp originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 28 May 2010 05:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dance dance revolutionDanceDanceRevolutiondefensemilitarynavyNavy Surgeon General Vice Adm. Adam RobinsonNavySurgeonGeneralViceAdm.AdamRobinsonnintendowiiwii fitWiiFitFri, 28 May 2010 05:10:00 EST<![CDATA[NASA's robot submarine achieves perpetual motion, of a sort]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/28/nasas-robot-submarine-achieves-perpetual-motion-of-a-sort/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/28/nasas-robot-submarine-achieves-perpetual-motion-of-a-sort/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/28/nasas-robot-submarine-achieves-perpetual-motion-of-a-sort/#comments The Sounding Oceanographic Lagrangrian Observer Thermal Recharging (SOLO-TREC) autonomous underwater vehicle is, well, quite a mouthful. It's also the first submarine that can run a sizable percentage of forever without requiring a charge. When the 183-pound buoy dives, cooler water temperature causes a liquid wax-like substance inside to solidify, squeezing out oil that drives a hydraulic generator; when it surfaces, the wax softens once again, ready for another round. Every dive produces 1.7 watt-hours of electricity, enough to power all the instruments, GPS and buoyancy-control pump on board. It's like a drinking bird that never runs out of water. Designed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Scripps researchers, the thermal engine is envisioned as an oceanography tool... but since the US Navy also has a finger in the pie, don't be surprised if it plays a minor role in the coming robot apocalypse as well.

NASA's robot submarine achieves perpetual motion, of a sort originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Apr 2010 05:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autonomousbuoygovernmentheat engineHeatEnginehydraulicJet Propulsion LaboratoryJetPropulsionLaboratoryJPLNASANavyOceanographersoceanographyrobotScrippsSOLO-TRECsubmarinethermal engineThermalEngineUS NavyUsNavyWed, 28 Apr 2010 05:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Navy shells out for development of missile-killing free-electron laser]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/24/navy-shells-out-for-development-of-missile-killing-free-electron/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/24/navy-shells-out-for-development-of-missile-killing-free-electron/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/24/navy-shells-out-for-development-of-missile-killing-free-electron/#comments
You may think that the Navy's just the baby brother to the two other US Armed Forces, but its weapon development record definitely shows otherwise. Just over two years after building an 8-Megajoule railgun, the branch has penned two $7 million checks to defense contractors Boeing and Raytheon for the design and development of a free-electron laser (FEL). For what it's worth, such a device has been yearned for since a day after the dawn of time, as unlike chemical-based lasers, the FEL would be 100 percent electric and easier to move. For those unaware,this stormy petrel of a weapon would be used to blast down missiles in mid-flight, all while putting on a pretty impressive light show. 'Course, the Navy must also figure out how to build a massive energy generating ship in order to use it, but let's not get too far ahead of ourselves here, okay?

[Image courtesy of AIP]

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Navy shells out for development of missile-killing free-electron laser originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 24 Apr 2009 18:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boeingdefenseFELfree electron laserfree-electron laserFreeElectronLasergovernmentlaserlaser killingLaserKillingmissilenavyray gunRayGunRaytheonsecurityusus navyusaUsNavywarwarfareweaponFri, 24 Apr 2009 18:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Navy UAV uses hydrogen fuel cells for greener surveillance]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/17/video-navy-uav-uses-hydrogen-fuel-cells-for-greener-surveillanc/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/17/video-navy-uav-uses-hydrogen-fuel-cells-for-greener-surveillanc/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/17/video-navy-uav-uses-hydrogen-fuel-cells-for-greener-surveillanc/#comments
It sure is nice to see that the military is paying attention to the environment, always on the lookout for greener ways to spy on people, foreign and domestic. Ion Tiger, for instance, is an unmanned vehicle being cooked up at the Naval Research Laboratory that incorporates a hydrogen fuel cell, offering many improvements on earlier battery powered designs -- including a greater range (up to seven times further than that of current designs), heavier payloads, smaller size, reduced noise, a low heat signature, and zero emissions. The Office of Naval Research is making much of the possible civilian potentials for this technology, pointing out that research contributes "directly to solving some of the same technology challenges faced at the national level," but we know the truth: the US military is in cahoots with Greenpeace. You heard it here first, folks. Video after the break.

[Via PhysOrg]

Continue reading Video: Navy UAV uses hydrogen fuel cells for greener surveillance

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Video: Navy UAV uses hydrogen fuel cells for greener surveillance originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Apr 2009 18:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>defensedroneespionagegreenhydrogenhydrogen fuel cellHydrogenFuelCellIon TigerIonTigermilitarynavyoffice of naval researchOfficeOfNavalResearchFri, 17 Apr 2009 18:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Navy report warns of robot uprising, suggests a strong moral compass]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/18/navy-report-warns-of-robot-uprising-suggests-a-strong-moral-com/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/18/navy-report-warns-of-robot-uprising-suggests-a-strong-moral-com/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/18/navy-report-warns-of-robot-uprising-suggests-a-strong-moral-com/#comments
You know, when armchair futurists (and jive talkin' bloggists) make note of some of the scary new tech making the rounds in defense circles these days it's one thing, but when the Doomsday Scenarios come from official channels, that's when we start to get nervous. According to a report published by the California State Polytechnic University (with data made available by the U.S. Navy's Office of Naval Research) the sheer scope of the military's various AI projects is so vast that it is impossible for anyone to fully understand exactly what's going on. "With hundreds of programmers working on millions of lines of code for a single war robot," says Patrick Lin, the chief compiler of the report, "no one has a clear understanding of what's going on, at a small scale, across the entire code base." And what we don't understand can eventually hunt us down and kill us. This isn't idle talk, either -- a software malfunction just last year caused US. Army robots to aim at friendly targets (fortunately, no shots were fired). The solution, Dr. Lin continues, is to teach robots "battlefield ethics... a warrior code." Of course, the government has had absolutely no problems with ethics over the years -- so programming its killer robots with some rudimentary values should prove relatively simple.

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Navy report warns of robot uprising, suggests a strong moral compass originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 Feb 2009 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aiartificial intelligenceArtificialIntelligenceCalifornia StateCalifornia State Polytechnic UniversityCaliforniaStateCaliforniaStatePolytechnicUniversitydefenseDr. Patrick LinDr.PatrickLinethicsmilitaryNavyoffice of naval researchOfficeOfNavalResearchPatrick LinPatrickLinrobotrobot apocalypseRobotApocalypseroboticsWed, 18 Feb 2009 17:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Cox provides HD programming, internet at US Naval Base in San Diego]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/26/cox-provides-hd-programming-internet-at-us-naval-base-in-san-di/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/26/cox-provides-hd-programming-internet-at-us-naval-base-in-san-di/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/26/cox-provides-hd-programming-internet-at-us-naval-base-in-san-di/#comments
The proud men and women of the United States Navy have to get their HD fix somehow, right? Being that the answer to that is undoubtedly "yes," we're happy to see that Cox Communications has signed on to provide HD programming, high-speed internet and digital phone services to the Pacific Beacon residences at the US Naval Base in San Diego, California. Currently, services are being installed in 512 units at Palmer Hall, while all of the buildings in the complex should be complete (and completely wired) by March 1st of next year.

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Cox provides HD programming, internet at US Naval Base in San Diego originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 26 Nov 2008 03:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cablecaliforniacoxhdmilitarynavalnaval baseNavalBasenavyPacific BeaconPacificBeaconSAN DIEGOSanDiegousWed, 26 Nov 2008 03:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy satellite shoot-down: The Movie]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/21/spy-satellite-shoot-down-the-movie/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/21/spy-satellite-shoot-down-the-movie/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/21/spy-satellite-shoot-down-the-movie/#comments
Like a vivid fever-dream Michael Bay might have after a night of pounding Sparks, this video of our nation's darkest hour and greatest triumph will have you screaming for a sequel. Confirming our belief that the out-of-control spy satellite which the Navy shot out of the sky in February really did contain a planet-destroying plague of zombie juice and / or Aliens, this roller coaster ride of a film retells the whole drama -- replete with swelling strings and in-your-face rage rock. Enjoy the epic video after the break, as well as a recap of our extensive coverage of the event, and rest easy knowing that once again great disaster has been averted... or has it?

[Via Wired]

Continue reading Spy satellite shoot-down: The Movie

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Spy satellite shoot-down: The Movie originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 May 2008 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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