Laser Tech’s Bumpy DoD History May Be Leveling
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Big promises and dashed expectations mark DoD’s history developing laser technology, but Frank Kendall, in charge of DoD acquisition, technology, and logistics, remains a fan, and tells Breaking Defense the $300 million directed energy budget won’t be shrinking. From the same Directed Energy Summit, Air Force Times quotes Mr. Kendall describing China’s formidable, multi-layered, technological defense system.
A finely targeted, laser noise-maker is slated for testing out of DoD’s Non-Lethal Weapons Program, reports Defense One. The Laser-Induced Plasma Effect, or LIPE, is designed to be so loud it will startle and encourage an enemy’s retreat.
Amazon proposes a 200- to 400-foot airspace for fast, long distance drone travel and open space beneath that for slower drones, Technology Review reports on the company’s efforts to change FAA rules to allow drone delivery.
House Seapower Subcommittee Chair Randy Forbes sees China as a competitor more than adversary, reports Breaking Defense.
Breaking Defense offers calculations on whether President Obama will veto the National Defense Authorization Act. Sen. John McCain fears he will. The NDAA contains Sen. McCain’s sweeping changes to how the Pentagon buys its weapons.
A sensor workaround moves the F-35B closer to operational readiness, reports Defense Tech.
Virgin Galactic describes the cause of the crash of its SpaceShipTwo as the result of the copilot unlocking feather locks 14 seconds before minimal speed was reached, reports Parabolicarc.com. The copilot was killed in the crash.
CenturyLink, out of five tapped telecommunication companies, is the first to activate a controversial Homeland Security internet monitoring program government-wide. CenturyLink, reports NextGov, is operating on about a quarter of federal internet users.
Sloppy procedures suspected for the crash of a Greek F-16 at the NATO Tactical Leadership Program war game, reports War is Boring.