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U.S. Develops Seabed Batteries to Power Drone Submarines for Decades

U.S. Develops Seabed Batteries to Power Drone Submarines for Decades

The U.S. is advancing a project to develop seabed batteries that can power drone submarines for up to 28.8 years without the need for cables or support ships. This initiative, led by the Department of Defense's DEPTHS program, involves using strontium-90, a radioactive isotope, to generate energy. The project is being executed by Zeno Power, a startup based in Washington, D.C., and Seattle, with the aim of creating decentralized energy nodes on the ocean floor. These nodes will support long-endurance sensors and charging stations for autonomous undersea vehicles, enhancing the U.S. military's capabilities in maritime environments.
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Pentagon Launches $300 Million Competition for Unmanned Drone-Launching Boats

Pentagon Launches $300 Million Competition for Unmanned Drone-Launching Boats

Pentagon Launches $300 Million Competition for Unmanned Drone-Launching Boats
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Iowa-Class Battleships' Role in Desert Storm Highlighted Amid Cost Concerns

Iowa-Class Battleships' Role in Desert Storm Highlighted Amid Cost Concerns

The U.S. Navy's Iowa-class battleships, specifically the USS Missouri and USS Wisconsin, played a significant role in the 1991 Gulf War, firing 1,083 16-inch shells during Operation Desert Storm. These battleships, reactivated and modernized in the 1980s at a cost of $1.7 billion, were equipped with Tomahawk missiles and advanced electronic warfare systems. Despite their effectiveness in combat, the high operational costs and large crew requirements led to their decommissioning shortly after the war. The battleships' deployment demonstrated their firepower but also highlighted the challenges of maintaining such large vessels in a post-Cold War era.
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U.S. Navy to Expand 'Doomsday Plane' Fleet with New E-130J Aircraft

U.S. Navy to Expand 'Doomsday Plane' Fleet with New E-130J Aircraft

The U.S. Navy is set to significantly expand its fleet of 'doomsday planes' by acquiring 31 E-130J Phoenix II aircraft to replace the aging fleet of 16 E-6B Mercury planes. These aircraft are crucial for the Take Charge And Move Out (TACAMO) mission, which involves providing aerial command and control support for nuclear ballistic missile submarines. The E-130Js, converted from C-130J-30 Hercules cargo planes, will nearly double the Navy's current fleet size for this mission. The acquisition plan includes six pre-production E-130Js for development and 25 production models. The program's estimated cost is $732.8 million per unit, including research and development. The transition to the new aircraft is part of a broader modernization effort, with the first operational tests expected by 2033.
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US Navy Tests AI-Powered Submarine Hunter During RIMPAC Exercise

US Navy Tests AI-Powered Submarine Hunter During RIMPAC Exercise

The U.S. Navy has tested an AI-powered sonar system, SensorMAX, during the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise. Developed by Lockheed Martin, SensorMAX uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyze acoustic sensor data and update sensor models in real-time. The system was tested with Navy MH-60R helicopters, which dropped sonobuoys to feed data to SensorMAX for target identification. The AI-enhanced system allows for rapid retraining and updates, providing continuous data streams to aircrews and ground stations. This technology aims to enhance anti-submarine warfare capabilities by integrating data from various sensors.
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Newport News Shipbuilding Seeks Construction Supervisors Amid Expansion

Newport News Shipbuilding Seeks Construction Supervisors Amid Expansion

Newport News Shipbuilding Seeks Construction Supervisors Amid Expansion
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Department of Energy Supports Seabed Battery Development for Drone Submarines

Department of Energy Supports Seabed Battery Development for Drone Submarines

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is supporting the development of seabed batteries designed to power drone submarines and seafloor sensors. This initiative is part of a Defense Department program called DEPTHS, which stands for Distributed Energy Provided Throughout the Seas. The project is being led by Zeno Power, a startup based in Washington, D.C., and Seattle. The batteries utilize strontium-90, a radioactive isotope, to generate power without the need for cables or support ships. The DOE has partnered with Zeno Power to recycle a legacy radioisotope power system stored at Oak Ridge into fuel for these systems. The project aims to provide long-term power solutions for autonomous undersea vehicles, enhancing U.S. maritime capabilities.
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The Hidden Decision That Reshaped Northrop Grumman

The Hidden Decision That Reshaped Northrop Grumman

A single strategic choice in 2011 to spin off its shipbuilding division allowed Northrop Grumman to pivot and become a 21st-century tech powerhouse.
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Lockheed Martin Expands F-35's Role in U.S. Missile Defense Network

Lockheed Martin Expands F-35's Role in U.S. Missile Defense Network

Lockheed Martin has outlined a new missile-defense architecture that enhances the role of the F-35 Lightning II as an airborne tracking and targeting node. This development involves integrating the F-35 into a network that connects space-based sensors, command systems, and interceptors. The goal is to reduce the time from threat detection to engagement, thereby improving the U.S. military's ability to track and neutralize fast-moving threats. The F-35's advanced sensors and data-fusion capabilities will allow it to contribute critical tracking and targeting information, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the missile defense system.
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How the White T-Shirt Quietly Defines the Look of a Well-Dressed American

How the White T-Shirt Quietly Defines the Look of a Well-Dressed American

From military undergarment to a symbol of rebellion and high fashion, exploring how the simple white T-shirt became a cornerstone of American style.
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On This Day: Glenn Morris Made Decathlon History at the 1936 Olympics

On This Day: Glenn Morris Made Decathlon History at the 1936 Olympics

Glenn Morris, an American athlete, made history at the 1936 Berlin Olympics by winning the gold medal in the decathlon. His journey to Olympic glor...
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TOTE Mobilizes U.S. Shipbuilding for Navy's $2.2 Billion Landing Ship Program

TOTE Mobilizes U.S. Shipbuilding for Navy's $2.2 Billion Landing Ship Program

TOTE Services is spearheading the mobilization of a nationwide shipbuilding network to support the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps' Medium Landing Ship program. The initiative involves over 30 shipbuilders and defense contractors, aiming to construct up to eight Medium Landing Ships. TOTE's role as Vessel Construction Manager includes coordinating shipyards, suppliers, and manufacturers to ensure efficient production. The program is part of a broader effort to enhance the U.S. military's expeditionary capabilities.