Aerospace Group:

Navy/USMC

Navy Tests Autonomy On EPF-13

Wednesday, August 3rd, 2022

SHARE:

Navy Tests Autonomy On EPF-13

The Navy’s twelfth Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) vessel, USNS Newport (EPF-12), successfully competed Integrated Sea Trials on July 30, 2020. (Photo: U.S. Navy)

The Navy tested a set of events last month to assess autonomous capabilities integrated into the future Spearhead-class USNS Apalachicola (EPF-13), the service said July 29. The Navy said the test events, called the Unmanned Logistics Prototype trials, each increase the perception capability and behavior complexity performed by the autonomous systems. Thus far, test evolutions included point-to-point autonomous navigation, vessel handling and transfer of vessel control between manned to unmanned modes. This prototyping work aims to demonstrate a large ship,…

Space

Upgrading Current GPS Ground System “Now a Viable Option,” As GPS OCX Problems Continue, Space Official Says

Upgrades to the GPS ground system–the Architecture Evolution Plan (AEP)–is an option under consideration by the Defense Department’s space acquisition chief, as problems continue in fielding the GPS Next Generation […]

Congress

Graham Says GOP To Move Ahead On Second Reconciliation Bill, With Defense Funds As Priority

Senate Budget Committee Chair Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said Wednesday, with the White House’s backing, his panel will move “expeditiously” on crafting a second reconciliation bill, citing priorities for defense and […]

Pentagon

Hegseth Acknowledges Potential $200 Billion Iran Supplemental Request, Final Figure ‘Could Move’

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday acknowledged the Pentagon could potentially ask Congress for $200 billion in supplemental funding to support the ongoing operation against Iran and replenish munitions used […]

Congress

Counter-Drone Flyaway Kit Used In U.S. In Early Hours Of Iran Strikes, NORTHCOM Head Says

U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) used a counter small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) flyaway kit (FAK) in the early hours of the strikes against Iran on Feb. 28, according to Air […]