Health Care Systems Oncology, Imaging and Pharmacology, particularly for Prostate Cancer.
Technology that interests me: Sensors (Radar, Sonar, EO/IR,Fusion) Communications, Satellites, Unmanned Vehicles (UAV), Information Technology, Intelligent Transportation
Thus, while the FAA claims that safety is their mandate, they have
prohibited educational institutions and other individuals from training
people on how to fly safely — unless those people want to do so for free
or with unrealistic workarounds like tethers. Does this make any sense?
Library officials had expected USF to be eligible for a Certificate
of Waiver or Authorizations (COA) to do research using their Phantom I
and Phantom II drones, but last month General Counsel for the FAA issued
a legal interpretation that education is not a government function
under COA guidelines.
“If the FAA now were to read a concept as broad as education into the
statute, it could exponentially expand the operation of unregulated
aircraft,” FAA Assistant Chief Counselor Mark Bury said in a memo dated
July 3.
What should have been a
smooth takeoff for the Library’s drone lending program this week has
been grounded indefinitely due to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
guidelines.
Library officials had expected USF to be eligible for a Certificate
of Waiver or Authorizations (COA) to do research using their Phantom I
and Phantom II drones, but last month General Counsel for the FAA issued
a legal interpretation that education is not a government function
under COA guidelines.
I hope the competitors aren't holding their breaths. Lack of a clear and firm requirements base and realistic budget typically sets up a program for failure. US Navy’s X-47B Ends Trials aboard TR >> Naval Today
The final request for proposal (RFP) for the Navy’s planned
carrier-based unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has been delayed pending a
review of the service’s information, surveillance and reconnaissance
(ISR) portfolio as part of the service’s budget process this fall, Navy
officials told USNI News on Friday afternoon.
The unmanned carrier launched airborne surveillance and strike (UCLASS) programme will solicit bids from Boeing, General Atomics Aeronautics Systems, Lockheed Martin
and Northrop, with the goal of developing a carrier-based, tailless,
unmanned aircraft that can evade radar, collect intelligence and launch
weapons.
The Defense Acquisition Board – a panel of senior US
military and civilian leaders – has a meeting scheduled on 10 September,
Winter says. Their authorization will allow NAVAIR to release the
request for proposals, with bids due in 60 days, he says.
As one
of the few new weapons acquisition programmes available for bidding,
UCLASS has received great attention from inside and outside the
military. As an all-new capability with no manned equivalent in
operation today, UCLASS also has invited controversy, with industry
officials, the intelligence community, naval aviators and Congress
expressing a diverse range of opinions over how such a system should be
operated.
Industry
will have a finalized request for proposals for the Navy’s first
operational carrier-launched drone by early September, its program
officer said Aug. 17.
The final RFP for the unmanned carrier launched airborne surveillance and strike, or UCLASS, will
be released only to the four companies competing for the contract:
Boeing, Lockheed Martin, General Atomics and Northrop Grumman.
“We
have had continuous dialogue with our industry partners, and they have
provided us feedback, corrections,” said Rear Adm. Mat Winter, program
executive officer for unmanned aviation and strike weapons.
... much still remains uncertain — including whether the UCLASS will be
primarily a surveillance aircraft, as is the case for most military
drones in the Pentagon's fleet now, or a bomber, snagging some
functionality from other aircraft, including the existing B-2 as well as
the replacement program getting off the ground. Breaking Defense did a thorough writeup on the Navy’s perspective on requirements and outside commentary on what’s realistic and practical.
But some question whether clarity will even come with the RFP, or
whether the solicitation will keep specifics intentionally vague,
allowing for the Navy to adjust as it goes along. If it's the latter,
then both the Navy and the contractors alike will be embarking on a
program that could suffer the kind of challenges that were faced by
debunked programs like the original presidential helicopter and even the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter— budget overruns and schedule delays spurred largely by failure to establish a firm plan from the beginning.
The delay is significant and underscores
issues around the evolution of unmanned flight that have major
implications for the aerospace and defense industry. UCLASS is notable
for its budget alone, projected at $1 billion over the next two years.
But more importantly, it is the last major new start, fully open U.S.
military unmanned aerial system competition planned for the foreseeable
future. The program’s much debated requirements are a reflection of how
far the Navy is willing to push the service’s acceptance of unmanned
capabilities, especially if it comes at the expense of legacy priorities
around manned aviation.
Unmanned aircraft are at an
evolutionary crossroads embodied by this troubled competition. The
fundamental questions faced by UCLASS decision makers ring true for more
than just the program alone. Will the next unmanned platforms represent
incremental developments that primarily draw upon the demonstrated,
capable technology of the past decade? Or is the United States on the
precipice of an airpower revolution? This revolution would be brought
about by investment in advanced but less battlefield tested technology
that provides more of the capabilities that increasingly encroach upon
the well defended turf of manned aircraft.
2 Units of Ku Band Lynx Multi Mode SAR/GMTI Radar include Gimbal Antenna and Radar Electronics
GA-ASI Radar Shines During U.S. Navy Spearhead IIA Exercise Lynx Multi-Mode Radar Detects Small, High-Interest Maritime Targets SAN DIEGO 28 August 2014 General Atomics
Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), a leading manufacturer of
remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) systems, radars, and electro-optical and
related mission systems solutions, today announced that its Lynx®
Multi-mode Radar successfully demonstrated the ability to support
maritime operations in a littoral environment during the recent U.S.
Navy Exercise Spearhead IIA held off the coast of Key West, Fla., in
June.
King Air 350 configured with Lynx Radar Pod
Integrated aboard a Predator® B/MQ-9 Reaper surrogate (King Air
350), Lynx's Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Maritime Wide-Area
Search (MWAS) modes detected mine-like-objects and very small vessels,
including fast boats, sailboats, and fishing boats.
Plans Finalized for USNS Spearhead's Deployment to 4th Fleet AOR
NAVAL STATION MAYPORT, Fla. (NNS) -- Service members and civilians
involved in the scheduled deployment of the joint high speed vessel USNS
Spearhead (JHSV 1) this summer to the U.S. Southern Command and U.S.
4th Fleet area of operations met March 25 and March 26 here to finalize
plans for the mission.
The Spearhead is a 338-foot-long catamaran with a top speed of 43 knots and an average speed of 35 knots.
With airline-style seating for 312 troops, a mission bay area of 20,000
square feet and a helicopter deck, it can be used in each of the 4th
Fleet lines of operation: security cooperation activities, maritime
security and contingency operations, including humanitarian assistance
and disaster relief.
During its 4 1/2 months in the joint area of operations, it will visit
Belize, Guatemala, Honduras and Colombia. It also will participate in
counterdrug operations and conduct experiments on behalf of the Naval
Warfare Development Command.
The mission, known as Southern Partnership Station-Joint High Speed
Vessel 2014, will build on the experiences USNS Swift (HSV-2), another
catamaran, which participated in Southern Partnership Station 2013 and
completed testing of an unmanned blimp and unmanned aerial vehicle last
year.
"The SPS-JHSV 14 mission is set to be an exciting deployment," said Ken
Miller, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command's lead planner for the
mission. "The final planning conference is a key milestone in the
operations planning cycle and helps to blend the detailed planning being
done by all stakeholders."
KEY WEST, Fla. (April 24, 2013) The Military Sealift Command
high-speed
vessel Swift (HSV 2) with a tethered TIF-25K aerostat
gets underway from
Key West to conduct a series of at-sea
capabilities tests to determine
if the aerostat can support future
Operation Martillo counter
transnational organized crime
operations in the U.S. 4th fleet area of
responsibility.
(U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Cmdr. Corey Barker/Released)
130424-N-IC228-114
General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Co., San Diego, California, is being awarded a $139,953,434 modification to previously
awarded cost-plus-award-fee contract N00024-08-C-4410 for USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) fiscal 2014 extended dry-dock phased maintenance
availability. An extended dry-dock phased maintenance availability
includes the planning and execution of depot-level maintenance,
alterations, and modifications that will update and improve the ship's military and technical capabilities. Work will be performed in San
Diego, California, and is expected to be completed by August 2015.
Fiscal 2014 operations and maintenance (Navy) and fiscal 2014 other
procurement (Navy) funding in the amount of $139,953,434 will be
obligated at the time of award. Contract funds in the amount of
$106,492,103 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The
Southwest Regional Maintenance Center, San Diego, California, is the
contracting activity.
California DMV says Google’s autonomous car tests need a steering wheel | Ars Technica
The new law means Google's self-designed car will need to have a
steering wheel and gas and brake pedals while it is still under
development. According to The Wall Street Journal,
Google will comply with the law by building a "small, temporary
steering wheel and pedal system that drivers can use during testing"
into the prototype cars. The report says California officials are
working on rules for cars without a steering wheel and pedals, but for
now, a human control system is mandatory.
Dr. William K. Oh on recognizing symptoms of the second leading cause of
death among american men. As the month of September brings prostate cancer into focus, it’s
time to increase public understanding of the disease, including its
prevalence, approaches to screening and prevention, treatment options,
and resources that offer updated prostate cancer information throughout
the year. Prostate cancer
is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in men and is a leading cause
of cancer death in men, second only to lung cancer. According to
American Cancer Society, there will be an estimated 192,280 new cases of
prostate cancer and an estimated 27,360 deaths in the United States
during 2009.[1]
Staying informed with the latest news on prevention and screening is an
important step in reducing your risk of developing prostate cancer.
And, should a diagnosis occur, access to current, in-depth treatment
information can help you find the best care.
The books below have been found useful for gaining a handle on Prostate Cancer:
xxxx
Juliet Marine Systems a small company from Portsmouth, N.H., has developed a unique high-speed watercraft called Ghost that could take on missions close to shores, where larger vessels, such as the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) would normally be too vulnerable to operate – company officials say. While initially the Ghost
design was offered for fast patrol, special operations and force
protection missions, Juliet Marine is now promoting a scaled-up corvette
version ‘super Ghost’ for the US Navy re-evaluation of the Littoral Combat Ship force structure.
Defense-Update http://wp.me/p3cRXG-dpO
| GHOST is a combination aircraft/boat that has been designed to fly
through an artificial underwater gaseous environment that creates 900
times less hull friction than water. GHOST technology adapts to manned
or unmanned, surface or submerged applications.
Juliet Marine Systems' Ghostexhibitsa
combination of "stealth fighter aircraft and attack helicopter
technologies," and is designed to combat naval swarm attacks of fast
enemy boats, waterborne improvised explosives, and piracy.
As its name suggests, Ghostis
intended to have zero radar signature, and the vessel is supposedly
difficult for the enemy to spot, let alone target. The ship is
nonmagnetic and hard to detect via sonar, making it ideal for
infiltration and surveillance of enemy areas.
Lockheed
Martin Corp., Mission Systems and Training, Moorestown, New Jersey, is
being awarded a $60,802,243 fixed-price-incentive, firm-fixed-price,
cost-plus-fixed-fee, and cost-only contract for ship integration and
test of the Aegis Weapon System (AWS) for AWS Baselines through Advanced
Capability Build 12. The contract provides for
Aegis shipboard
integration engineering,
Aegis test team support,
Aegis modernization
team engineering support,
ballistic missile defense test team support,
and
AWS element assessments.
This contract includes options which, if
exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to
$420,379,808.
Work will be performed in
Moorestown, New Jersey (27
percent);
Norfolk, Virginia (22.5 percent);
San Diego, California (20
percent);
Pascagoula, Mississippi (6.5 percent);
Bath, Maine (6.5
percent);
Mayport, Florida (6.5 percent);
Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (5.5
percent);
Everett, Washington (4 percent);
Syracuse, New York (1
percent), and
other locations totaling less than 1 percent (0.5),
and is
expected to be completed by November 2018. Fiscal 2011 and 2013
shipbuilding conversion (Navy); fiscal 2014 operations and maintenance
(Navy); and fiscal 2012 and 2014 other procurement (Navy) funding, in
the amount of $21,839,327 will be obligated at time of award.
Contract
funds in the amount of $6,485,936 will expire at the end of the current
fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured in accordance
with 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1) - only one or limited number of sources and no
other suppliers will satisfy the requirements. The Naval Sea Systems
Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity
(N00024-14-C-5104).
The US Navy -- Fact File: Aegis Weapon System
The Navy has decided to restart construction of new DDG 51s. The new
Aegis destroyer will utilize software componentized to enable reuse and
networked-based COTS computing system infrastructures during
installation, modifications, and future upgrades. The restarted Aegis
destroyers (DDG Restart) will incorporate the same new technologies, as an Aegis Modernized Destroyer such as:
the Multi- Mission Signal
Processor (MMSP),
the Surface Electronic Warfare Improvement Program
(SEWIP),
Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) 5.0, and
the AN/SQQ-89(V)
Anti-Submarine Warfare/Undersea Warfare Combat System (ASWCS/USWCS).
In
addition to this DDG restart effort, the Navy is currently making plans
for a follow-on version of the DDG 51 class that will be called DDG
Flight III.
In an effort incorporate advances in technology
into in-service ships, and to keep pace with emerging threat, the Aegis
Modernization (AMOD) program was introduced. AMOD produces system
upgrades via the Advanced Capability Build (ACB) process for CG and DDG
Modernization, DDG Restart, and DDG FLT III.
::::
The
current Advanced Capability Build, ACB-12, has transitioned to Aegis
Baseline 9 (BL 9) and brings increased warfighting capability with
regard to
Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD),
Naval Integrated
Fire Control-Counter Air (NIFC-CA),
the SM-6 missile,
the Evolved
SeaSparrow Missile (ESSM),
Close-in Weapon System (CIWS) BLK 1B, and
MMSP.
:::::
B/L 9 initiated a Common Source Library (CSL) program for Aegis
and brought in the first third-party developed software element, Track
Manager/ Track Server, as well as the competitively awarded Common
Display System (CDS) and Common Processor System (CPS). The CSL enables
software reuse and commonality across all modernized and new
construction Aegis Combat System configurations. Specifically, the
Aegis CSL allows for the use of common tactical software across four
different Aegis configurations, including
Air Defense Cruisers,
IAMD
Destroyers with integrated Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) capability,
New Construction Integrated Air and Missile Defense Destroyers, and
A three-dimensional, detailed structure of Hurricane Sandy measured
by the TRMM Precipitation Radar (PR) on Oct. 28, 2012 at 1725 UTC (1:25
PM EDT). Source: NASA.
Candidate antenna architecture for ACE radar. Source: NASA.
NASA’s future Aerosol/Cloud/Ecosystems (ACE) Mission will address fundamental science questions concerning the role of aerosols on cloud development and ecosystems. Recommended by the National Research Council’s (NRC) Earth Science Decadal Survey,
ACE targets a broad class of hydrometeor types. The mission’s instruments will measure cloud droplets, ice crystals, rain and snow, which are subject to change in the presence of aerosols. These changes also impact the Earth’s ecosystems and the ocean’s storage of carbon dioxide. The ACE measurements aim to improve the understanding of aerosol, cloud and ecosystem interactions. Also, ACE measurements will have spin-off benefits, including aiding in air-quality forecasting.
Our objective is to provide a direct path to a common aperture dual-frequency radar with wide-swath (>100 km) imaging at Ka-band.
The NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) and Northrop Grumman Corporation Electronic Systems (NGES) have developed an innovative approach, minimizing size and weight, with a shared aperture that builds upon ESTO’s investments into large-aperture reflectors and utilizes high-TRL radar architectures. We propose to advance the system technology readiness level of two key antenna system components:
a) a novel dual-band reflector/reflectarray and
b) a Ka-band Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) feed module.
The benefits are 100 km Ka swath imaging and significant reductions in ACE space payload size, weight, and cost.
Our proposed work and methodology entails a dual-frequency antenna comprised of a primary cylindrical reflector/reflectarray surface illuminated by a fixed W-band feed (compatible with a quasi-optical beam waveguide feed, such as that employed on CloudSat) and a Ka-band AESA line feed. The highly innovative reflectarray surface provides beam focusing at W-band, but is transparent at Ka-band.
Over a three-year period of performance, we propose to design, build,environmentally test, and demonstrate a scale model of the dual-frequency antenna, culminating in a suborbital test flight demonstration using the GSFC Cloud Radar System and raising the reflector/reflectarray TRL from 3 to 6. Finally, we plan to advance the AESA feed design towards a space demonstration via development and testing of key GaN MMIC components,raising that TRL from 3 to 4+.
The
Earth is constantly bombarded with high speed particles coming not only
from the sun, but also from outside of the solar system. Studying these
energetic particles can help us understand the origin and evolution of
our solar system. The Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE) spacecraft
carries nine instruments that can collect and measure these particles 10
to 1000 times better than previous spacecraft. From ACE, Scientists on
Earth will receive information about the solar wind such its velocity,
temperature, and composition. ACE will orbit the sun
very near the Earth (approximately 1/100 of the distance from the Earth
to the sun). From here it will be able to determine which particles hit
the Earth. This information will help scientists to better understand
phenomena such as solar flares. Ace will also be able to warn us of
encroaching geomagnetic storms that disrupt communications and are hazardous to astronauts.
xxx
In the “CNO’s Navigation Plan 2015-2019,” ADM Jonathan Greenert
acknowledged that the fiscal climate “compelled the Navy to make tough
choices. … Our Navy will do its part to ‘put our fiscal house in
order,’ but we will do so in a responsible way. Despite likely
sequestration in [fiscal] 2016, our priority is to operate forward
where it matters, when it matters, and be ready to address a wide range
of threats and contingencies.”
Strategic deterrence retains is place as the top priority, with
sustaining a credible, survivable and modern sea-based deterrent with
the 14 Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarines (SSBNs) and the Trident
D5 ballistic missile, plus developing the Ohio Replacement SSBN, which
will make its first patrol in 2031. Sustaining the U.S. advantage in
undersea warfare will be aided by the delivery of nine Virginia-class
attack submarines and building up to approximately 80 P-8A Poseidon
maritime patrol aircraft by 2019.
Ohio Replacement program. Begin construction in 2021, deliver first
unit to Navy in 2028, enter service in 2031. Maintain 14 SSBN's. They
may be able to do this.
Take delivery of the twelfth Virginia class attack submarine in 2015,
with eight more by 2019. Additionally, take delivery of 8 P-8A
Poseidon's in 2015, with a total of 80 by the end of 2019. I can tell
you for sure that THIS ain't happening, not with sequestration still in
place.
Take delivery of four new LCS's in 2015.
Engage in "phased modernization" of our Cruisers, i.e. lay them up in
mothballs for a while because we can't afford the upgrades right now.
The report itself all but admits this.
Increase the forward presence of the Navy from 97 ships in 2014 to 120
in 2020. Yeah, SURE. Sure you will. Perhaps in your dreams.
Increase Asian presence from 50 to 65 ships and Middle East presence from 30 to 40 ships. Again. Sure you will.
And he mentions plenty of other stuff, some of which might happen, but not near the extent the CNO might wish.
The 306 ship Navy is a pipe dream.
Carrying out all the stuff in this Navigation Plan is also a pipe dream,
unless the Congress truly goes nuts and opens up the purse.
ImSAR LLC,* Springville, Utah, was awarded a $98,971,746 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for research and development, rapid advancement and integration of small aperture radars on small unmanned aerial systems. Funding and work location will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Aug. 20, 2019. One bid was solicited, with one received. Army Contracting Command, Natick, Massachusetts, is the contracting activity (W911QY-14-D-0007).
NanoSAR C radar unit is the world’s smallest SAR,
weighing less than 2 lbs and consuming less than 25 W
In May 2012, ImSAR, L.L.C. in Salem, UT received a $24 million firm-fixed-price and cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to build, test, and assess a lightweight ultra wide band synthetic aperture (ground-looking) radar for use on small unmanned aerial vehicles. Work will be performed in Salem, UT, with an estimated completion date of May 31/17. One bid was solicited, with 1 bid received by U.S. Army Contracting Command in Natick, MA
(W911QY-12-D-0011).
ImSAR’s NanoSAR radar has already tested on Boeing’s popular ScanEagle UAV, and the company began offering it as an official payload option on Feb 23/10. The US Army doesn’t use ScanEagle UAVs, but they do have options like the RQ-7B Shadow that could benefit from a small radar that was light enough to add in addition to the existing surveillance turret. ImSAR can offer them an
improved NanoSAR B, or their new Leonardo radar that’s well-suited to tasks like convoy overwatch and land-mine detection.
Climate and Earth System Modeling This modeling effort includes validation using "Big Data". A truly objective, exascale earth climate model based on science validated using actual data would seem to be a valuable tool in evaluating public policy making major changes in technology and the economy. Unfortunately the plan appears to make a lot of assumptions and is not oriented to this purpose.
Fourteen institutions will work together to develop the most accurate climate change predictions yet, and investigate key fundamental science questions, such as the interaction of clouds and climate and the role of secondary organic aerosols.
The partners include eight national laboratories —
The Accelerated Climate Modeling for Energy Project is an ongoing, state-of-the-science Earth system modeling, simulation, and prediction project that optimizes the use of DOE laboratory resources to meet the science needs of the nation and the mission needs of DOE.
In this context, “laboratory resources” include the people, programs, and facilities, current and future. They collectively represent a unique combination of scientific and engineering expertise as well as
leadership computing and information technologies required to construct, maintain, and advance an Earth system modeling capability that is needed by the country and DOE. A major motivation for the ACME project is the coming paradigm shift in computing architectures and their related programming models as capability moves into the exascale era. DOE, through its science programs and early adoption of new computing architectures, traditionally leads many scientific communities, including climate and Earth system simulation, through these disruptive changes in computing
Dr. Renata McCoy of LLNL is the ACME Project Engineer. Dr. McCoy is instituting implementation of a formal project management and tracking system (Jira, www.atlassian.com/software/jira, is currently being evaluated).
Data Link Solutions, LLC, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is being awarded a
$124,326,550 modification
under a previously awarded multiple award
contract (N00039-10-D-0031) increasing the scope authorized to perform
all of the necessary design and development work required to bring
Tactical Targeting Network Technology (TTNT) capability to the
Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) Joint Tactical
Radio System (JTRS) terminal and to achieve a successful critical design
review. MIDS JTRS is a pre-planned product improvement replacement,
transforming the MIDS low volume terminal into a four-channel, software-
communications architecture-compliant JTRS terminal, while maintaining
current Link-16 and tactical air navigation capability.
TTNT will
significantly increase operational Link-16 networks’ capacities, improve
network performance, and provide more capable and flexible Link-16
network designs for the warfighter.
Work will be performed in Wayne, New
Jersey (30 percent), and Cedar Rapids, Iowa (70 percent), and is
expected to be completed by Aug. 19, 2017. Fiscal 2014 research,
development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $11,600,000 will
be placed on contract and obligated at the time of award. Contract
funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Space
and Naval Warfare Systems Command, San Diego, California, is the
contracting activity.
ViaSat, Inc., Carlsbad, California, is being awarded a $72,673,450
modification
under a previously awarded multiple award contract
(N00039-10-D-0032) increasing the scope authorized to perform all of the
necessary design and development work required to bring tactical
targeting network technology (TTNT) capability to the Multifunctional
Information Distribution System (MIDS) Joint Tactical Radio System
(JTRS) Terminal for a successful critical design review. MIDS JTRS is a
pre-planned product improvement replacement that transforms the MIDS low
volume terminal into a four-channel, software-communications
architecture-compliant JTRS terminal, while maintaining current Link-16
and tactical air navigation capability.
TTNT will significantly increase
operational Link-16 networks’ capacities, improve network performance,
and provide more capable and flexible Link-16 network designs for the
warfighter.
Work will be performed in Carlsbad, California, and is
expected to be completed by Aug. 19, 2017. Fiscal 2014 research,
development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $11,600,000 will
be placed on contract and obligated at the time of award. Contract
funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Space
and Naval Warfare Systems Command, San Diego, California, is the
contracting activity.
The antennas, which self-deploy in 200 milliseconds, are configurable stored-energy monopoles that will be integrated into the satellites' automatic identification system payload. The 13 antennas used in the RCM stow in a low mass and compact 4-inch by 4-inch by 2.5-inch canister, the company said.
USN is also improving Arctic AIS coverage with MUOS
Next gen satellite to be tested during Arctic Shield 2014 From studying the effects of solar activity to improve radio
transmissions to enhancing the capabilities of Automated Identification
Systems, the importance of having a reliable communications
infrastructure in the Arctic has not been lost on researchers traveling
aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Healy as part of Arctic Shield 2014.
The Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) is the U.S. Navy's next
generation narrowband military satellite communications system that will
replace the legacy Ultra High Frequency Follow-On (UHF-FO)
communications system before that system reaches its end of service
life. Satellite AIS is a relatively new technology that has changed the
landscape for monitoring the maritime domain. Improving upon existing
technology already deployed aboard most large vessels across the globe,
Satellite AIS is truly revolutionary in providing a complete and global
picture of the world’s shipping.
Main RCM applications
The RADARSAT Constellation mission is being designed for three main uses:
Maritime surveillance (ice, wind, oil pollution and ship monitoring);
Disaster management (mitigation, warning, response and recovery); and
Ecosystem monitoring (forestry, agriculture, wetlands and coastal change monitoring).
In addition to these core user areas, there are expected to be a
wide range of ad hoc uses of RADARSAT Constellation data in many
different government applications, federally and provincially, and in
the private sector, both in Canada and internationally.
For example, while the mission design initially focused on
maritime security requirements, land security, particularly in the
Arctic, will be dramatically enhanced. The system offers up to four
passes per day in Canada's far north, and several passes per day over
the Northwest Passage.
The increase in revisit frequency introduces a range of
applications that are based on regular collection of data and creation
of composite images that highlight changes over time. Such applications
are particularly useful for monitoring changes such as those induced by
climate change, land use evolution, coastal change, urban subsidence and
even human impacts on local environments.
IEEE Xplore Abstract - Digital beamforming techniques applied to satellite-based AIS receiver
Maggio, F.; Rossi, T.; Cianca, E.; Ruggieri, M., "Digital beamforming techniques applied to satellite-based AIS receiver," Aerospace and Electronic Systems Magazine, IEEE , vol.29, no.6, pp.4,12, June 2014
doi: 10.1109/MAES.2014.130168
This article investigates using DBF onboard AIS satellites with the
objective to increase the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR)
so that the number of decoded AIS messages can be increased. A DBF
system is based on an array of antenna elements acting as independent
receivers that capture radio frequency (RF) signals. These signals are
converted into two digital streams of baseband I and Q signals, and then
they are weighted (by changing their amplitude and phase) so that when
they are combined together (summed) they create a desired output (i.e.,
the AIS signal of interest with a high level of SINR). The article
presents an antenna array with a single-element radiation pattern
optimized to mitigate interference. Based on this antenna array, static
and adaptive DBF techniques have been compared in terms of SINR increase
and system complexity (i.e., need for a large antenna, computational
complexity of an adaptive DBF technique, etc.)
URL: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=6867653&isnumber=6888966
Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Linthicum Heights, Maryland, was awarded a $34,666,402 modification (P00054) to contract W15P7T-11-C-H267 for continued operations and sustainment of the Vehicle and Dismount Exploitation Radar (VADER) currently deployed in theater. Fiscal 2014 operations and maintenance (Army) funds in the amount of $16,296,359 were obligated at the time of the award. [Expense rate of $8.2M/month, with] Estimated completion date is Dec. 31, 2014. Work will be performed in Linthicum Heights, Maryland; Hagerstown, Maryland; and Afghanistan. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity.
Defense.gov News Article: Face of Defense: USS Roosevelt Conducts UAV Testing
USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT, At Sea, Aug. 18, 2014 - The Navy's experimental
unmanned X-47B air vehicle returned to carrier operations aboard USS
Theodore Roosevelt Aug. 17 and completed a series of tests, operating
safely and seamlessly with manned aircraft.
Building
on lessons learned from its first test period aboard the Roosevelt in
November 2013, the X-47B team is now focused on perfecting deck
operations and performing maneuvers with manned aircraft in the flight
pattern. Unmanned Drones Landing Autonomously Next to F-18s Is a Very Big Deal
The
days of piloted combat aircraft are quickly coming to an end, soon to
be heavily augmented if not outright replaced by UCAS, or Unmanned
Combat Air Systems. Just yesterday, the Navy's X-47B demonstrator proved
that manned and unmanned operations can take place on the same flight deck.
The
X-47B has already shown that is can take off and land autonomously
aboard a roiling flight deck. During a series of trial flights aboard
the USS Theodore Roosevelt yesterday, Navy researchers examined whether
the pilotless drone could reliably queue up and landing alongside
conventional aircraft without colliding.
Navy conducts first series of drone and manned fighter jet operations - LA Times
"Today we showed that the X-47B could take off, land and fly in the
carrier pattern with manned aircraft while maintaining normal flight
deck operations," Capt. said Beau Duarte, program manager for the Navy's
unmanned carrier aviation office, in a statement. "This is key for the
future carrier air wing."
Unmanned Systems News 18/8/2014 - Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International
"For this test period, we really focused on integration with manned
aircraft," said Lt. Cmdr. Brian Hall, X-47B flight test director. "We
re-engineered the tailhook retract actuator and updated operating
software to expedite wingfold during taxi, both of which reduce time in
the landing area post-recovery. Our goal was to minimize the time in the
landing area and improve the flow with manned aircraft in the landing
pattern."
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. (AFNS) --
The commander of Air Combat Command, Gen. Mike Hostage, declared
initial operational capability for the 552nd Air Control Wing's E-3G
Sentry, an Airborne Warning and Control System Block 40/45 aircraft,
July 28, here.
"This modification represents the most significant upgrade in the
35-plus year history of the E-3 AWACS and greatly enhances our crew
members' ability to execute the command and control mission while
providing a building block for future upgrades," said Col. Jay R. Bickley, the 552nd ACW commander.
Boeing E-3 Sentry AWACS | E-3B/C/G, Block 40/45, Costs/Budget, Specs
E-3G---This designation is applied to Block 40/45 upgraded aircraft. As
of February 2012, two aircraft have been modified with entire fleet
conversion planned by 2020.
This is the most comprehensive upgrade in E-3 program history. Block
40/45 upgrades enhances tracking and combat identification capabilities,
enhance mission effectiveness, improve mission system reliability, and
lower life-cycle costs. Upgrades include a new mission computer system,
using an
open architecture with 50 computers and 24 software products and
automated processes to greatly reduce operator workload;
new operator consoles; improved electronic support measures (ESM)
passive surveillance capability; and full next generation IFF.
Block 40/45 IOC is scheduled for the fall of 2014
The Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) provides a
highly mobile, flexible, survivable theater Battle Management, Wide Area
Surveillance, and Command and Control (C2) capability. It is capable of
detecting, identifying, and tracking airborne and maritime targets at extended
ranges as well as identifying air/ground emitters. AWACS can relay “ big
picture ” information to C2 agencies and friendly aircraft. AWACS provides
worldwide response to situations requiring immediate on - scene C2/BM using
embedded real - time surveillance for employment of US and allied combat air
forces. AWACS is critical to gaining and maintaining battle - space air
superiority. AWACS coordinates with both tactical and C2 assets in theater to
execute the air mission.
The AWACS Block 40/45 Upgrade Program is the largest
modification in US AWACS history and represents the critical foundation and
baseline system required for all future AWACS enterprise modifications
including net - centric operations.
The AWACS Block 40/45 Upgrade provides a single
target/single track capability with an improved human - machine interface for
time - critical targeting designed to increase combat effectiveness and reduce fratricide.
The AWACS Block 40/45 Upgrade Program includes
Electronic Support Measures sensor data processing upgrade;
Multi-Source Integration [(Objective =Threshold)All target data
shall be correlated, fused, and integrated into a single track];
Net Ready [a Data Link Infrastructure with prioritized data
link bandwidth management for Link 16/Link 11];
new battle management tools;
capability to parse, allow user access to, and integrate Air
Control Order/Air Tasking Order data; and
enhanced mission and console recording capabilities
System must fully support execution of all activities identified
in joint and system integrated architectures.
1) DISR mandated GIG IT standards and profiles identified in
the TV-1.
2) DISR mandated GIG KIPs identified in the KIP declaration table.
3) Net - Centric Operations and Warfare Reference Model Enterprise
Services.
4) IA requirements and issuance of an ATO by the DAA.
5) Operationally - effective
information exchanges and mission critical performance specified in the applicable
joint and system integrated architecture views ::::
FY 2014 DoD Program:
FY 2014 provides funds in the amount of $154.3 million for modifications and spares for E-3 Sentry AWACS aircraft.
The primary modification budgeted in FY14 is the Block 40/45 Upgrade (more info under FY 2015 below).
FY 2015 DoD Program:
FY 2015 provides funds in the amount of $179.7
million for modifications and spares for E-3 Sentry AWACS aircraft.
The primary modification budgeted in FY14 is the Airborne Warning
and Control System (AWACS) Block 40/45 modification.
AWACS Block 40/45 modification upgrades legacy E-3 mission systems
computers, display processors, and displays
to provide critical support to Air Force Battle Management Command
and Control (BM/C2) missions.
It provides the foundation required for all future AWACS
enterprise modifications through a customized implementation
of Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) hardware with a software
intensive architecture. The AWACS Block 40/45 Upgrade
also provides a single target/single track capability with an
improved human-machine interface for time-critical targeting
designed to increase combat effectiveness and reduce fratricide.
The AWACS Block 40/45 Upgrade also includes an upgrade
to Electronic Support Measures (ESM) sensor data processing; data
fusion of both off-board and on-board sensor data
through multi-source integration (MSI); a Data Link Infrastructure
(DLI) upgrade with prioritized data link bandwidth management;
new battle management tools; capability to parse, allow user
access to, and integrate updates to Tactical Data Information
Link (TADIL)-J message formats and protocols; enhanced mission and
console recording capabilities while maintaining legacy chat
communications and onboard training; modification of system
software to accommodate Diminishing Manufacturing Sources (DMS).
The FY 2015 budget divests seven E-3 aircraft from the fleet, resulting in a fleet size of 24 vs. 31 now.
This adjustemnt to the fleet size will be implemented starting in FY15.
Approaches to Multisensor Fusion Architecture may be used in Block 40/45
AWACS Level 2 Fusion
The E-3 AWACS SENTRY aircraft is the "brain" of the
modern air war for the U.S. and its allies. The aircraft has powerful
active and passive sensors and an array of Level 1 tracking algorithms
for managing the real time kinematic "picture" of the
air battle. The Air Force has an ambitious program of sensor enhancements
and software to improve this Level 1 processing and Daniel H.Wagner Associates, Inc. is a key player in the effort to improve
Level 1 system as a participant in the Multi-Sensor
Integration arena. Our MSI algorithm was the first to be demonstrated
in ESC's Fusion Evaluation Testbed and we have consistently shown
outstanding test performance.
In an SBIR effort, Daniel H. Wagner Associates, Inc. enhanced
an existing software program designed to perform multiple sensor, multiple
target tracking for the E-3 AWACS. The specific enhancements made to the
software include:
incorporation and correlation of offboard sensor data;
development of a data registration algorithm;
responsiveness to AWACS operator commands; and
recommendation of target identification.
In ongoing research for the Air
Force Research Laboratory, Wagner Associates is investigating
and implementing a number of Level 2 Data Fusion algorithms for
use onboard the E-3 AWACS. Tools for Level 2 Data Fusion fall into two categories:
Situation
Assessment (SA) and Sensor Management (SM). The functions of Situation
Assessment are twofold:
Operator Awareness and
Operator
Workload Reduction.
The functions of Sensor Management are:
(1)
Recommending sensor settings for sectors and subsectors based
on situation and
(2) Managing complex settings for the operator.
Below is a list of topics being investigated.
The Boeing Fusion Architecture provides a highly flexible, multi-source,
easily integrated tracker for a variety of applications. Many target types can be
tracked, either from sensor reports, sensor tracks, or other types of tracks. The
interfaces input type, assignment method, tracktype, track maintenance algorithms,
etc. can be selected at run time by the user. The code uses the advanced libraries
and tools of Java to keep the application well positioned for quick turn around
for demos, proposals and program hot starts. The architecture is a multithreaded,
event driven architecture delivering realtime performance for multiple customers.
The sensor tasking capability discussed here is part of a
Resource Allocation Manager (RAM) that integrates Command, Control and
Communications (C3) functions within individual sensor subsystems, among multiple
sensors on a platform, and across multiple independent platforms. The RAM
contributes significantly to multi-platform interoperability and situatio n
awareness operations. System level functional capabilities include interactive management
of kinematic and non-kinematic attribute state estimation accuracies, Situation
Assessment, Threat Assessment and data bandwidth management among cooperating
sensing platforms. The RAM is innovative state-of-the-art closed-loop surveillance
and tracking technology. The same algorithms that manage system level kinematic
and identification accuracy also inherently manage sensor modes, bias and misalignment
estimation, maintenance schedules, data link bandwidth usage, built-in-test,
calibration and even logistics. An overview of the fusion architecture and
tracking system in which the RAM is integrated is discussed first, followed by
performance analyses using measured and modeled data
that could benefit from a small radar that was light enough to add in addition to the existing surveillance turret. ImSAR can offer them an 
