Archive for June, 2011
Jun 27, 2011, post by Artur Nowak
The US Department of Defense has awarded General Atomics’ Aeronautical Systems division a $39.8 million contract to further develop a high-power laser weapon, with the ultimate goal of integrating the system within tactical aircraft.
The High-Energy Liquid Laser Area Defense Systems (HELLADS) program has been under development through funding from the Pentagon’s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) for several years, and now appears close to reaching its target output of 150 kW.
According to DARPA’s fiscal year 2012 budget estimate document, the detailed design of a ground-based 150 kW demonstrator was completed last year, while two unit cell module designs have shown an output power exceeding 34 kW. Based on those unit cell results, the next key step is to produce additional laser modules and connect them to deliver the targeted 150 kW output.
More > http://optics.org
Jun 27, 2011, post by Artur Nowak
In February, the government of the United States issued its first-ever National Security Space Strategy (NSSS), a document jointly produced by the Department of Defense and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. The timing of the release was interesting, coming three months after the Council of the European Union released a draft Code of Conduct for Outer Space Activities.
Skeptics in Washington suspected that the NSSS was a negotiating document released in response to the EU effort, and designed to lead to an accord between the US and the EU on space security.
More > http://www.isn.ethz.ch
Jun 27, 2011, post by Artur Nowak
Mercury Computer Systems of Massachusetts is delivering embedded products and integration services for Airborne Early Warning and Control Systems.
The multiyear award — “from a global provider of products, services and solutions for military defense” – will optimize performance in systems enhancing warfighters’ defensive capabilities.
Read more: http://www.upi.com
