Mackenzie Wolf, Author at C4ISRNet

Marines set to launch 3-D printed drone to combat operations

Mackenzie Wolf — Thu, 22 Jun 2017 14:21:41 +0000

Marines are set to launch a 3-D-printed drone into combat zones in the coming weeks, reports 3D Printing Industry. The drone, nicknamed the “Nibbler,” is the first drone of its kind to be used in a combat theater by conventional forces.

The Nibbler’s simple design is comprised of a few prefabricated components including a motor, batteries and a spool of filament. The body of the drone is printed using 3-D technology.

“Our team is very enthusiastic about the Nibbler, but even more enthusiastic about what it represents for the future,” Capt. Chris J. Wood told Defense Systems.

U.S. Marines with II Marine Expeditionary Force assemble the Nibbler drone.

Photo Credit: Lance Cpl. Taylor N. Cooper/Marine Corps

Marines have embraced the technology — they view it as compatible with the “adapt and overcome” mentality of the Marine Corps.

“Imagine being in a forward deployed environment, and just like Amazon, you can ‘order’ the weapons and equipment you need for the next day’s mission from an entire catalog of possible solutions,” Wood said to Defense Systems. “These solutions can all be upgraded literally overnight, in order to integrate new components or adapt to new requirements. On a very small scale, Nibbler shows us that this is possible right now with the group 1 UAS family of systems.”

Stinger missiles intercept drones in a first with new fuzes

Mackenzie Wolf — Wed, 07 Jun 2017 17:09:54 +0000

Raytheon Stinger anti-air missiles equipped with new proximity fuzes successfully intercepted two unmanned airborne systems for the first time, according to the company.

Proximity fuzes allow missiles to destroy targets by making contact or by detonating in close range to the target.

“Stingers are usually loaded with direct impact warheads, which is appropriate for larger targets such as cruise missiles and aircraft,” said Kim Ernzen, vice president of Raytheon’s land warfare systems product line. “The new proximity fuze gives ground forces the ability to engage small, elusive targets using a proven, familiar system.”

A lightweight, self-contained air defense system, the Stinger can be rapidly deployed by ground troops. The Stinger weapon system has been proven effective in combat during four major conflicts, is utilized by all U.S. military branches and has been deployed in 18 countries.

Navy awards Booz Allen $96M deal to support tactical networks

Mackenzie Wolf — Mon, 22 May 2017 18:20:24 +0000

Booz Allen Hamilton has been awarded a $96.1 million contract to provide the Navy with modernized tactical networks.

The Navy’s Tactical Networks Program Office, or PMW 160, is “responsible for ensuring the Navy has access to secure and reliable communications networks on any platform and in any location.” To support modernization of these mission-critical networks, Booz Allen will provide the Navy with “cyber-resilient, integrated networks and foundation computer systems.”

“We are honored to be selected as PMW 160’s primary industry partner to synchronize Navy legacy programs with the Consolidated Afloat Networks and Enterprise Services,” said Ralph Wade, a Booz Allen vice president and leader in the firm’s U.S. Navy and Marine Corps business.

“Booz Allen develops and deploys cost-effective systems engineering solutions using technical expertise that harmonizes innovation with practicality. We look forward to applying our cyber capabilities and strategic prowess in digital platforms to strengthen the robust network that Navy tactical forces rely on every day,” Wade said.

Microsoft exec nabs DHS cyber post

Mackenzie Wolf — Tue, 28 Mar 2017 20:22:24 +0000

The first major cyber-policy appointment in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) came this week, reports CyberScoop. Christopher Krebs, a cybersecurity policy executive and vice-chair of the National Cyber Security Alliance began work as a senior counselor to John Kelly, the Secretary of Homeland Security.

Previously, Krebs worked as a policy adviser for DHS during the George W. Bush administration and most recently as a cybersecurity policy executive for Microsoft.

Krebs, whose appointment was first reported by Politico, was among several new jobs announced recently by DHS. President Trump announced his intent to nominate David Glawe as the undersecretary for intelligence and analysis. Glawe is currently the head of intelligence at U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Trump also named Benjamin Cassidy as assistance secretary of legislative affairs at DHS and Jonathan Rath Hoffman as assistant secretary of public affairs.

Canada accidentally releases classified documents on counterterrorism plans

Mackenzie Wolf — Thu, 02 Mar 2017 17:08:20 +0000

WASHINGTON — The release of unredacted, classified information is drawing questions in Canada, reports CBC News.

The classified documents disclosed details of Canada’s military response procedures in the event of a 9/11-style terror attack. The material was part of a briefing given to Gen. Jonathan Vance, Canada’s chief of defense staff in 2015.

One of the security measures outlined in the document permits fighter jets to shoot down a hijacked commercial airliner in order to protect the CN Tower in Toronto.

The document also explains who is authorized to make such a decision, rules of engagement, the locations of fighter jets on standby and the time it would take to scramble the aircraft. CBC chose not to disclose some contents of the documents for national security purposes.

The Canadian military has been under fire for internal investigations pertaining to the “loss or compromise” of classified information. Additionally, the second-highest ranking military commander in Canada, Vice Adm. Mark Norman, was suspended after being accused of leaking classified information.

“In this case, it sounds to me like a mistake was made,” Vance told CBC on Wednesday. “We’ll follow up and try and make certain that this sort of thing doesn’t happen again.”