The X-47 UCAS UAV Drone was the first UAV drone to launch from an Aircraft Carrier, a United States Carrier.  What did your company or country do this week?  Interesting tidbit – RADM Branch seen in the video, has been selected for Vice Admiral and is awaiting confirmation by congress, to become the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (DCNO) for Information Dominance (N2N6).

Specifications of the X-47 UCAS UAV Drone

Overall Length: 38.2 feet
Wingspan: 62.1 Feet
Height: 10.4 feet
Aircraft Carrier Takeoff Gross Weight: approximately 44,500 pounds
Speed: High subsonic
Power Plant: one Pratt & Whitney F100-220U engine
Payload Provisions: 4500 pounds, plus allowance for electro-optical, infrared, radar and electronic support measures sensors
Autonomous Aerial Refueling Provisions: US Navy and US Air Force styles

Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), X-47 UCAS UAV Drone’s:

Mission

The mission of the Navy Unmanned Combat Air System (UCAS) Aircraft Carrier Demonstration (UCAS-D) UAV drone is to mature technologies for a carrier (CV) suitable  unmanned air system (UAS), while reducing risk for UAS carrier integration and developing the critical data necessary to support potential follow-on acquisition programs.

Description

In the 2005 Quadrennial Defense Review, the Navy was directed to restructure the Joint Unmanned Combat Air System (J-UCAS) program and develop an unmanned, longer- range carrier-based aircraft capable of being air-refueled to provide greater aircraft carrier standoff capability, to expand payload and launch options, and to increase naval reach and persistence.

The Navy UCAS program will develop and demonstrate a CV suitable unmanned air system in support of persistent, penetrating surveillance, and penetrating strike capability in high threat areas. The Navy UCAS program will evolve technologies required to conduct Launch, Recovery, and Carrier Controlled Airspace (CCA) operations and Autonomous Aerial Refueling (AAR) . In FY13, the Navy plans to achieve UCAS CV UAV drone demonstration objectives. In FY14, the Navy plans to achieve probe & drogue (USN style) and boom/receptacle (USAF style) AAR demonstration.

The X-47B UCAS UAV drone made a successful first flight in February 2011 and  is now at NAS Patuxent River, Md., undergoing shore-based carrier suitability testing in preparation for sea trials in 2013.

[via CBS and NAVAIR]

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VADM Mike Rogers in the cornerstones to Achieve Information Dominance

Do you understand how the Navy plans to achieve Information Dominance as conveyed in the U.S. Navy’s Information Dominance Roadmap 2013-2028? Do you understand how the Plan to achieve Information Dominance supports the CNO’s Tenets?

The Roadmap highlights the plan to achieve Information Dominance through:

• Assured Command and Control (C2) - will require a more robust, protected, resilient and reliable information infrastructure that undergirds the Navy’s overall information environment and allow uninterrupted worldwide communication between deployed units and forces ashore. Navy’s information infrastructure must be able to maintain essential network and data link services across secured segments of the electromagnetic spectrum in order to transport, share, store, protect and disseminate critical combat information.
• Battlespace Awareness - will require enhanced information content, advanced means to rapidly sense, collect, process, analyze, evaluate and exploit intelligence regarding our adversaries and the operating environment. Our information content will serve as the basis from which nearly all decisions will be made, enabling our forces to more effectively maneuver and coordinate actions that target and engage enemy forces.
• Integrated Fires - will require new capabilities to fully employ integrated information in warfare by expanding the use of advanced electronic warfare and offensive cyber effects to complement existing and planned air, surface and subsurface kinetic weapons within the battlespace. Future information effects will be designed to impact and change adversary behavior, or when necessary, to control, manipulate, deny, degrade or destroy his warfighting capabilities.

The Navy is pursuing improved information-based capabilities, to achieve Information Dominance, that will enable it to prevail in the higher-threat, information-intensive combat environments of the 21st Century. This document outlines challenges anticipated over the next 15 years in the operating and information environments, and highlights long-term opportunities for fully integrating Navy’s information-related activities, resources, processes and capabilities to optimize warfighting effects and maintain decision superiority across the spectrum of warfare. The Navy’s plans to achieve Information Dominance by: 1) assuring command and control (C2) for our deployed forces regardless of the threat environment; 2) enhancing battlespace awareness to shorten the decision cycle inside that of the adversary and to better understand the maritime operating environment; and, 3) fully integrating traditional kinetic and emerging non-kinetic fires to expand warfighting options to both Navy and Joint commanders. To accomplish these plans, today’s current information-based capabilities involving Assured C2, Battlespace Awareness, and Integrated Fires will require continual changes and improvements in a number of diverse areas.

Are you supporting the plan to achieve Information Dominance? Looking for additional IDC and Navy Strategy documents?  Check out Navy Cyber Power 2020 which supports the Navy Strategy for Achieving Information Dominance, additional related supporting documents include: the Navy Information Dominance Roadmap, 2013-2028; the Navy IDC Human Capital Strategy, 2012-2017; the Naval Intelligence Strategy, 2013-2020; and, the 2013 Navy Space Strategy. Within this integrated framework, the Navy begins in earnest the process of marshaling its resources, galvanizing the workforce, and aligning Navy’s Information Dominance capabilities to fully enable the Navy’s primary tenet of Warfighting First.

[via TENTH FLEET]

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Admiral Jonathan W. Greenert and the CNO Tenets.

The US Navy CNO Tenets are:

• Warfighting First
• Operate Forward
• Be Ready

How do you integrate them into consideration in all that you do?

Make sure to read the CNO Tenets and the context around them in the CNO’s Sailing Directions.  Admiral Greenert further provided the CNO’s Navigation Plan.  Admiral Greenert provided a status update, demonstrating how he integrated his CNO Tenets, in his CNO’s Position Report 2012.

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Download (PDF, 163KB)

The CNO’s Sailing Directions provide the Navy’s Mission:

Deter aggression and, if deterrence fails, win our Nation’s wars.  Employ the global reach and persistent presence of forward-stationed and rotational forces to secure the Nation from direct attack, assure Joint operational access and retain global freedom of action. With global partners, protect the maritime freedom that is the basis for global prosperity. Foster and sustain cooperative relationships with an expanding set of allies and international partners to enhance global security.

The CNO’s Sailing Directions also convey the CNO’s responsibilities:

• Remain ready to meet current challenges, today
• Build a relevant and capable future force
• Enable and support our Sailors, Navy Civilians and their Families

The CNO’s Sailing Directions most importantly set for the CNO’s Tenets.  These tenets are:

• Warfighting First
• Operate Forward
• Be Ready

We are directed in the CNO’s Sailing Directions to make these tenets key considerations to be applied to every decision.  The CNO’s Sailing Directions provided the initial course to set upon as Admiral Greenert became the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO).  If you take into account the CNO’s Sailing Directions and his tenets in each decision, as he does, you’ll both understand how decisions are being made by him, his subordinates, and the Navy.

The CNO’s Sailing Directions laid the tenets, or keel, of Admiral Greenert’s tenure as CNO.  If you observe the Navy and how it has shaped itself over the year and a half Admiral Greenert has been at its helm you’ll find the tenets deeply rooted in the course.

The CNO’s Sailing Directions were complimented by the CNO’s Navigation Plan and the CNO’s Position Report 2012.

[via Navy.mil]

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Download (PDF, 3.24MB)

The DoD Annual China Report 2013 was release a few days ago.  The DoD Annual China Report 2013 provides an unclassified summary of the Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China.  While there have been significant advances by China as they rapidly develop through their own “Industrial Age” while operating in our “Information Age.”

I recommend an immediate read of the DoD Annual China Report 2013 Executive Summary below.  This will give you a good idea of the immediate concerns before you tackle the longer 80 page report.

Executive Summary

The People’s Republic of China (PRC) continues to pursue a long-term, comprehensive military modernization program designed to improve the capacity of its armed forces to fight and win shortduration, high-intensity regional military conflict. Preparing for potential conflict in the Taiwan Strait appears to remain the principal focus and primary driver of China’s military investment. However, as China’s interests have grown and as it has gained greater influence in the international system, its military modernization has also become increasingly focused on investments in military capabilities to conduct a wider range of missions beyond its immediate territorial concerns, including counter-piracy, peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance/disaster relief, and regional military operations. Some of these missions and capabilities can address international security challenges, while others could serve more narrowly-defined PRC interests and objectives, including advancing territorial claims and building influence abroad.

To support the Chinese People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) expanding set of roles and missions, China’s leaders in 2012 sustained investment in advanced short- and mediumrange conventional ballistic missiles, land attack and anti-ship cruise missiles, counterspace weapons, and military cyberspace capabilities that appear designed to enable antiaccess/area-denial (A2/AD) missions (what PLA strategists refer to as “counterintervention operations”). The PLA also continued to improve capabilities in nuclear deterrence and long-range conventional strike; advanced fighter aircraft; limited regional power projection, with the commissioning of China’s first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning; integrated air defenses; undersea warfare; improved command and control; and more sophisticated training and exercises across China’s air, naval, and land forces.

During their January 2011 summit, U.S. President Barack Obama and then-PRC President Hu Jintao jointly affirmed that a “healthy, stable, and reliable military-to-military relationship is an essential part of [their] shared vision for a positive, cooperative, and comprehensive U.S.-China relationship.”  Within that framework, the U.S. Department of Defense seeks to build a military-to-military relationship with China that is sustained and substantive, while encouraging China to cooperate with the United States, our allies and partners, and the greater international community in the delivery of public goods. As the United States builds a stronger foundation for a military-to-military relationship with China, it also will continue to monitor China’s evolving military strategy, doctrine, and force development and encourage China to be more transparent about its military modernization program. In concert with its allies and partners, the United States will continue adapting its forces, posture, and operational concepts to maintain a stable and secure Asia-Pacific security environment.

[U.S. Department of Defense]

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Download (PDF, 479KB)

The US Arctic Strategy seeks an Arctic region which will be stable and free of conflict, where nations act responsibly in a spirit of trust and cooperation, and where economic and energy resources are developed in a sustainable manner that also respects the fragile environment and the interests and cultures of indigenous peoples.  To achieve the vision of the US Arctic Strategy, the United States is establishing an overarching national approach to advance national security interests, pursue responsible stewardship of this precious and unique region, and serve as a basis for cooperation with other Arctic states and the international community as a whole to advance common interests.

Through the US Arctic Strategy, the National Strategy for the Arctic Region conveys, the United States’ intention of guiding, prioritizing, and synchronizing efforts to protect U.S. national and homeland security interests, promote responsible stewardship, and foster international cooperation.

The US Arctic Strategy, conveyed in the National Strategy for the Arctic Region, is built on three lines of effort:

1.  Advance United States Security Interests

• Evolve Arctic Infrastructure and Strategic Capabilities
• EnhanceArctic Domain Awareness
• Preserve Arctic Region Freedom of the Seas
• Provide for FutureUnited StatesEnergy Security

2.  Pursue Responsible Arctic Region Stewardship

• Protect the Arctic Environment and Conserve Arctic Natural Resources
• Use Integrated Arctic Management to Balance Economic Development, Environmental Protection, and Cultural Values
• Increase Understanding of the Arctic through Scientific Research and Traditional

  Knowledge

• Chart the Arctic region

3.  Strengthen International Cooperation

• Pursue Arrangements that Promote Shared Arctic State Prosperity, Protect the 

  Arctic Environment, and Enhance Security

• Work through the Arctic Council to Advance U.S. Interests in the Arctic Region
• Accede to the Law of the Sea Convention
• Cooperate with other Interested Parties

The  approach of the US Arctic Strategy will be informed by the following guiding principles:

• Safeguard Peace and Stability
  
• Make Decisions Using the Best Available Information
• Pursue Innovative Arrangements
• Consult and Coordinate with Alaska Natives

The US Arctic Strategy will move the United States toward a collaborative and innovative approach to manage a rapidly changing region.

[The White House]

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I bought the Jaybird BlueBuds X Bluetooth headphones about 2 months ago.  Since that time I have used them every day during my normal commute to ingest content at an even more rapid pace.  Like you I’ve always been annoyed by the entanglements still posed by wired headsets.  I’ve been using the BlueBuds X headset via the Bluetooth for iPhone communication path.  The BlueBuds are a great wireless stereo headset because of the following:

• Sound Quality – the Jaybird BlueBuds X Bluetooth Headphones have been delivering great audio quality.  The 3 ear bud adapters that come with the BlueBuds provide a perfect range to fit any ear and isolate a significant amount of ambient noise.  
• Battery Life – I use these an average of three to four hours per day to listen to my favorite content.  The bluetooth headset continually surprises me on how long it is able to last on a single charge.  With this amount of use I normally charge the headset every third day.
• Low Profile – the Jaybird BlueBuds X Bluetooth Headphones provide a small and comfortable wire strap that connects the two ear buds.  This strap is comfortable and significantly smaller than the larger connectors of other headsets.
• Sweat Proof – the Jaybird BlueBuds X Bluetooth Headphones are backed by Jaybird’s Sweat Proof guarantee.  Because of this guarantee I feel very comfortable taking the BlueBuds on my many outside and vigorous runs.
• Ease of Use – the ear buds have a simple and well implemented control panel just below the right ear bud.  It affords easy power, volume control, and other helpful controls.

I’m exceptionally critical of technology that is brought to market and not ready for primetime.  The Jaybird BlueBuds X Bluetooth Headphones are an excellent choice if you are looking to make the move and free yourself from the wired headphone life.  I highly encourage you to take a look at what I consider the Best Bluetooth Headset for Running and much much more!

[Get your own JayBird BlueBuds X Headphones]

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The Challenge hit the spot!  Pitting the two Spocks (Zachary Quinto vs. Leonard Nimoy) against each other was genius by Audi!  A very well done and put together video, The Challenge has all the parts of excellent advertisement while providing great substance.

The Challenge hits on an age old classic dilema.  Is old or new better?  In the case of the two individuals who play Spock in various movies the ultimate determination will be a matter of unanswerable debate for the next several decades.  The Challenge – get to the club first.  While Quinto is afforded a fine looking charriot in the form of a new Audi S7, Nimoy is relegated to a boring and waning Mercedes Benz.  At face value The Challenge is already decided, or is it? Don’t under estimate Nimoy’s cunning ability to determine a way to win The Challenge!

I also really love the technology shout out to the driverless vehicle at the end of The Challenge.  When you view driving as the distraction, vice what is commonly viewed as a distracted driver problem, you immediately understand that most people would most likely rather be doing something better than simply driving.  That ultimately, in my opinion, is THE CHALLENGE!

Watch and enjoy!

[via Audi S7]

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Tecumseh Gedicht:

“So lebe dein Leben, dass die Angst vor dem Tod kann niemals geben Sie Ihrem Herzen.

Probleme beim niemanden über ihre Religion, den Respekt für andere in ihrer Sicht, und verlangen, dass sie Ihnen zu respektieren.

Liebe dein Leben, dein Leben zu vervollkommnen, verschönern alle Dinge in Ihrem Leben.

Suche, um Ihr Leben lang und seinen Zweck in den Dienst Ihrer Leute.

Bereiten Sie einen edlen Tod Song für den Tag, wenn Sie über die große Kluft gehen.

Immer geben ein Wort oder ein Zeichen der Gruß bei der Begegnung oder Weitergabe einen Freund, auch ein Fremder, wenn sie in einem einsamen Ort.

Zeigen Sie Respekt für alle Menschen und kriechen unübertroffen.

Wenn Sie am Morgen entstehen danken für das Essen und für die Freude am Leben.

Wenn Sie keinen Grund für danket sehen, liegt der Fehler nur in sich.

Missbrauch niemanden und keine Sache, wegen Missbrauch dreht die Weisen zu Narren und raubt der Geist seiner Vision.

Wenn es Ihre Zeit zu sterben kommt, nicht wie jene, deren Herzen mit der Angst vor dem Tod gefüllt sein, so dass, wenn ihre Zeit kommt sie und weinen beten für ein wenig mehr Zeit, ihr Leben noch einmal leben in einer anderen Weise.

Singe deinen Tod Lied und sterben wie ein Held nach Hause gehen. ”

Ich liebte dieses Gedicht aus dem Film Act of Valor. Diese Tecumseh Gedicht ist außergewöhnlich gut geschrieben und inspirierend. Ich verlor einen Freund, ähnlich wie in dem Film dargestellt wird, kam ein paar Monate nach diesem Film heraus. Bitte nehmen Sie sich einen Moment und sagen “Danke” zu seiner Familie.

[Via Tecumseh Act of Valor]

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Erik Brynjolfsson’s Race Against The Machine

What do you do in your daily and weekly routine to go beyond the usual and continue lifelong  learning?

Below is an aggregation of what I enjoyed through the week to keep me thinking about the bigger picture or to get my mind out of the daily routine of things.  It consists of my usuals (GeekBeat.TV, This Week in Tech (TWiT), MacBreak Weekly (MBW)), my broadening (Technology, Entertainment, Design (TED)), and some things I’m specifically interested in learning (This Week in Photo (TWiP)).  Who knows, maybe I’ll get better at this photography and video thing.

I thought that TED released an interesting pair in the first two videos.  They seemed to compliment each other as one challenged the innovation and growth occurring and what is the true race in competition (against the machines).

For the above reason Erik’s video was the one I most enjoyed this week.  I’ve discovered his book, Race Against the Machine, which discusses the how the Digital Revolution is Accelerating Innovation, Driving Productivity, and Irreversibly Transforming Employment and the Economy.  No small set of feats, right?  Anyway – enjoy my wrap up!

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