Articles tagged with Missiles
A new report suggests increasing the U.S. nuclear arsenal could lead to more nuclear crises, as adversaries may feel less deterred. The study highlights the importance of enhancing survivability and resilience over expanding the arsenal, with a focus on strengthening nuclear submarine capabilities and defending against cyberattacks.
A Lancaster University academic argues that AI and algorithms contribute to polarization, radicalism, and political violence, posing a threat to national security. The paper examines how AI has been securitized throughout its history, highlighting the need for better understanding and management of its risks.
Researchers used computer modeling to simulate a nuclear explosion and found that high airspeeds remain a considerable hazard inside buildings. The tight spaces can increase airspeed, causing severe injuries or fatalities.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University will conduct high-speed experiments with a projectile hitting a wall of water at 9,000 mph to study the effects on water and potential applications for national defense. The project aims to accurately predict damage from hypersonic vehicles and missiles.
The University of Central Florida has received a $1.5 million U.S. Department of Defense award to develop high-performance fuels for hypersonic propulsion. The project aims to create new solid fuels that can provide wider flammability limits and longer range while constraining volume.
Sandia National Laboratories completed the first production unit of a weapon assembly responsible for key operations of the W88 nuclear warhead. The new arming, fuzing and firing assembly ensures the system works as intended when authorized, with rigorous testing conducted to validate its design.
Experts warn of potential global catastrophes such as engineered pandemics and nuclear annihilation, while also identifying areas for improvement. Scientists like Martin Rees argue that promoting wise technology deployment can minimize risks and ensure a sustainable future.
The U.S. Department of Defense has awarded Adranos a $2.1 million contract to further develop its high-performance solid rocket fuel ALITEC for long-range missile systems. This funding will support the expansion of ALITEC's utilization in prototype and operational systems, enhancing the military's range, performance, and lethality.
A study by the American Psychological Association found that highly anxious individuals in Hawaii calmed down rapidly after a false missile alert, while those with lower anxiety levels took longer to stabilize. The researchers believe this may be due to the threat of imminent death putting day-to-day stressors into perspective.
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories are exploring the use of dragonfly-inspired computing to develop faster and lighter missile defense systems. By mimicking the brain's ability to process visual information, they aim to improve intercept techniques for maneuvering targets such as hypersonic weapons.
People in Hawaii who received a false ballistic missile threat alert sought information to validate their risk, rather than immediate shelter. Social media played a key role in spreading accurate information and helped increase trust in future warnings.
Researchers at MIT have developed a physics-based system to verify the destruction of nuclear warheads, using cryptographic keys in physical form. The new method uses neutron detection and resonance processes to identify authentic warheads, while concealing their designs.
Peregrine falcons use proportional navigation guidance similar to guided missiles, which could be applied to small drones. This method relies on line-of-sight information and doesn't require target speed or distance data. The research may also provide insights into pursuit behaviors of other predatory species.
The spread of hypersonic missiles would increase strategic wars and jeopardize nations, including US, Russia, and China. Researchers recommend joint action to prevent proliferation, proposing export controls and international control of technology.
The special focus on formation control of unmanned systems presents recent significant achievements in theoretical design and applications. Key findings include the use of consensus-based approaches for simultaneous attack problems and hybrid particle swarm optimization for multi-UAV formation reconfiguration.
A new artificial intelligence system called ALPHA has been developed by Psibernetix, Inc., which consistently outperforms human experts in simulated air combat. ALPHA's ability to process vast amounts of sensor data and make tactical decisions in milliseconds makes it a formidable opponent, even when its aircraft are handicapped.
Researchers developed an algorithm using submarine and guided missile technology to measure intensity of effort in cricketers. The 'torpedo technology' wearables provide a stable measure of bowling load across repeated spells, helping coaches identify fatigue and optimize preparation.
Researchers found that belief in Iron Dome's success and resilience can mitigate PTSD symptoms. The study showed that even at high trauma exposure levels, resilient individuals with confidence in Iron Dome experienced reduced trauma symptoms.
Researchers at Lund University have developed a method to target and destroy aggressive cancer cells using 'missiles' that can deliver lethal cell toxins. The study identified specific proteins on the surface of stressed cancer cells, which can be used as targets for delivering drugs into the cells, leaving healthy tissue unharmed.
Researchers at Duke University simulate high-speed impacts in artificial soil and sand, finding that materials get stronger when struck harder. This challenges previous models and may lead to better control of earth-penetrating missiles.
Researchers at Monash University have developed a novel test using Fourier Transform Infrared (FITR) spectroscopy to detect malaria parasites in blood. The technique uses an anti-tank Javelin missile detector to identify infected red blood cells, providing highly detailed information on a sample area in minutes.
The development of UV photodetectors has been driven by numerous applications in the defense, commercial, and scientific arenas. The researchers have brought this AlxGa1-xN-based device closer to reality by developing a compact photodetector with the world's highest quantum efficiency.
A new study by Bear Braumoeller at Ohio State University suggests that while conflict may be less common, the ability of countries to wage war has decreased over time. The analysis found no clear trend indicating a decrease in nations' willingness to go to war.
Researchers have discovered a jerky, non-smooth energy transfer from a meteorite or missile to sand and dirt grains during impact. The study shows that the sound wave and grains behave differently than previously assumed, with pulses moving along networks of grains, or force chains.
The DARPA director stresses the need for radical innovation and collaboration between government, academia, and industry to develop next-generation cruise missiles with autonomous guidance. This partnership is crucial for giving U.S. warfighters a decisive edge in future battles.
Recent analysis in the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists reveals that the Cuban Missile Crisis was even more perilous than history has acknowledged. Senior experts have calculated the nature of nuclear weapons capabilities on both sides, finding that the situation was more serious and dangerous than previously thought. The study highli...
A special issue in International Relations journal revisits the Cuban Missile Crisis to clarify debates over key issues and nuclear deterrence. New information suggests we were closer to Armageddon than realized, highlighting the need for continued study.
China's unique deployment of modern conventional ballistic missiles has a decisive effect on its war plan, creating critical uncertainties. The country's military considers conventional missiles as a fundamental source of political and military strength, but this also generates risks of escalation.
Researchers found that viewing media coverage of terrorist attacks increased pain levels and sensory component of pain in people already suffering from chronic pain. Stress and media exposure were also strongly related.
Hi-C will capture the highest-resolution images of the sun's corona, providing unprecedented views of dynamic activity in the solar atmosphere. The mission aims to understand coronal heating and structuring, placing significant new constraints on theories.
The University of Arizona space systems engineer Roberto Furfaro and his colleagues have designed an autonomous guidance system that will fly the privately-funded Moon Express lander to the lunar surface. The $30 million X Prize is won by landing a spacecraft on the moon, deploying a robot, and sending back an image and data to Earth.
Oxford University students argue that investing in arms companies is unethical and contradicts the university's values. They claim that Oxford invested £4.5 million in UK and US arms manufacturers between 2008 and 2010, including £1.4 million in Lockheed Martin.
Research published in the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists warns that US missile defense systems are not reliable and would not be effective in combat conditions. The authors propose a new drone-based system as an alternative, which could reliably intercept long-range ballistic missiles before they reach their targets.
Cassel is honored for his sustained technical contributions to missile systems, including hypersonic flight regimes and navigation systems. He developed innovative solutions such as jet interaction in hypersonic flight, aerodynamic control configurations, and optical sensors.
Researchers from Tel Aviv University have developed improved microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices that can measure acceleration and impact with increased sensitivity. These advancements have the potential to transform industries such as sports, transportation, and defense.
The US Army has deployed Hellfire II missiles equipped with a health-monitoring device to Iraq and Afghanistan, providing troops with an added measure of assurance that the missiles will perform without failure. The Captive Carry Health Monitoring system automatically monitors environmental conditions that can affect missile reliability.
William T. Carpenter will receive the AIAA Missile Systems Management Award for his innovative leadership in establishing an environment for creativity in missile system technology. He has advanced several missile and defense systems through his expertise in aerodynamics, guidance, and control systems.
Purdue University engineers have developed a structural health monitoring system to detect flaws in new composite military missiles. The system uses triaxial accelerometers to pinpoint impact locations and severity, improving durability and performance.
Rebecca Slayton argues that while scientists can inform public debate, their role is limited due to the complexity of computing and testing. Computer professionals played a significant role in opposing missile defense proposals in the 1960s and 1980s, but their warnings were initially dismissed as pessimism.
The APL contributed significantly to the success of the Flight Test Mission (FTM) 04-2, a live event that verified the Aegis BMD 3.0 weapon system's performance against a more difficult threat.
A team from Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) developed a multi-purpose sensor payload to collect video and infrared imagery of the target's boost, post-boost phases, reentry vehicle separation event, and SM-3 intercept. This provided scientists with the closest view of the intercept, enabling them to better und...
Researchers developed nanorobot fabrication to build extremely small sensors, improving detection capabilities for aircraft carriers and mini-UAVs. The new technology is also being considered for breast cancer detection, enabling non-contact examinations.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed uncooled infrared photon detectors using type-II superlattices, enabling high-speed operation and handheld portability. The new technology has potential in medical applications, such as detecting inflammation or cancerous tissue.
A new study published by the American Physical Society finds that boosting-phase defense systems have significant limitations, making them impractical against many potential threats. The report highlights issues with timing and range, limiting the effectiveness of boost-phase defenses.
A team of University of Florida engineering students designed and built a crayon-sized sensor that can be fired from a paintball gun to detect explosives. The sensor was part of a government- and corporate-supported research program, and Lockheed Martin plans to refine and produce it for potential use in Iraq.
The Navy is using microorganisms to produce a key missile propellant, butanetriol, which could reduce production costs and environmental impact. The process involves modifying bacteria to convert sugars into the synthetic material, allowing for a more efficient and environmentally friendly alternative.
The Office of Naval Research has developed a new missile called the Affordable Weapon, designed to carry a significant payload to a target several hundred miles away. Equipped with GPS navigation and line-of-sight data links, the Affordable Weapon can fly directly to its target or loiter until directed by a forward observer.
The Office of Naval Research developed a new warhead that combines kinetic energy with chemical reactions to destroy targets. The warhead uses advanced composite materials and has shown improved structural damage and lethal radius in testing.
A new kind of cruise missile engine, called a scramjet, has been tested to achieve Mach 6.5 speeds in simulated hypersonic conditions, outperforming traditional ramjets. The engine is being developed for use in the HyFly joint DARPA/ONR Flight Demo program, aiming to launch missiles at speeds up to Mach 6 and ranges of 600 nautical miles.
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) successfully conducted the first ground test of a full-scale, fully integrated hypersonic cruise missile engine using conventional liquid hydrocarbon fuel. The Dual Combustion Ramjet (DCR) engine concept demonstrated robust engine operation at speeds up to Mach 6.5.
A Clemson-led group has secured a $10 million contract to develop affordable surveillance platforms called 'aerostats' that can pair advanced radar systems to track and engage cruise missiles. The project aims to provide improved early-detection, tracking, and engagement capability for the military.
Researchers applied game theory to assess the feasibility of a proposed national missile defense (NMD) system. They found that protection may be a placebo if widely believed to be effective, prompting a cautious approach to deployment. The study suggests focusing on research and development and exploring alternative credible alternatives.
A new airborne infrared search and track system, called Risk Mitigation Sensor (RMS), recently passed a key test detecting the launch of a Black Brant missile. The RMS technology has applications in various military aircraft and systems, potentially entering Fleet use within five years.
Researchers develop Infrared Search and Track system to enhance low-altitude target detection. The new system will complement existing radars, providing improved detection in low-visibility conditions.
A computer network manager proposes using obsolete ICBMs to create spectacular pyrotechnic displays, releasing thousands of artificial meteors into the atmosphere with different colours depending on their chemicals. The plan aims to reuse Cold War relics for entertainment rather than scrap them.
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have created a method that purposefully unbalances reentry vehicles to steer them closer to targets, improving accuracy. The approach also enables the reorientation of satellites in space without changing their shape or requiring fuel.
The MSX satellite successfully tracked two medium-range missiles, demonstrating its ability to perform key missile defense functions. The primary sensors collected several minutes of high-quality data, which is now undergoing preliminary analysis at the USASSDC.
The MSX satellite has obtained two unique images of the Small Magellanic Cloud, a small companion galaxy to the Milky Way. The images reveal new details about the galaxy's structure and evolution, including hot stars, cool giant stars, and nebulae.