More from Brett Baker
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US Air Force using mixed reality to train new pilots: Weapons and Warfare
In the second episode of Weapons and Warfare, step into the cockpit of a U.S. Air Force Huey helicopter and learn about the latest in mixed reality learning. This video game-like experience is part of the branch’s effort to streamline and modernize training for the next generation of Air Force helicopter pilots. Also featured in… -
Air Force helicopter pilots embrace cutting-edge extended reality training
The second episode of Weapons and Warfare explores how the U.S. Air Force is leveraging extended reality (XR)–an umbrella term for virtual, mixed and augmented reality–to redefine the training experience for aspiring helicopter pilots. The system, modeled after the TH-1H Huey helicopter, combines virtual and mixed-reality environments, allowing airmen to engage in hands-on training by… -
Army to send out the next generation of guns: Weapon of the week
American troops will be getting some new weaponry heading into 2024, as detailed in the second episode of Weapons and Warfare. After 27 months of testing and evaluations, the M7 rifle and the M250 machine gun from Sig Sauer will be the next generation of rifles for close-contact Army troops. That, combined with the M157… -
Economic impact to US from Red Sea attacks likely delayed
A U.S.-owned vessel was hit by a Houthi missile in the Red Sea. Houthis used an anti-ship ballistic missile on Monday, Jan. 15, to hit the bulk carrier Gibraltar Eagle. There was a fire in the ship’s hold, but it remained seaworthy. It’s the latest incident to highlight the tenuous situation playing out at sea,… -
China can’t take Taiwan because its weapons are filled with water
A driving force in the U.S. military is preparing for competition with near-peer adversaries like China and Russia. But as it turns out, perhaps those peers aren’t so near. For decades, Russia said it controlled the world’s “second army.” However, current events in Ukraine are punching plenty of holes in that argument. This leaves China… -
Russia to mass produce ‘invisible’ glide bomb with cluster munitions
Russia said it’s going to start mass producing a new type of cluster bomb that’s supposedly invisible to radar. Russian state media reported the Drel — or “Drill” in Russian — is a new type of glide bomb made by the state-owned Rostec defense conglomerate. Drels are some of Russia’s newest weapons, so there isn’t… -
Nebraska developing radiation sickness treatment amid increasing exposure risk
As reported in the premiere episode of Weapons & Warfare, the University of Nebraska and the University of Nebraska Medical Center are spearheading an initiative to develop a drug aimed at protecting troops from Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS). The project comes in response to the Defense Department’s concerns about potential radiation exposure scenarios faced by… -
Nebraska developing pill to prevent radiation sickness: Weapons & Warfare
The premiere episode of Weapons & Warfare dives into a groundbreaking initiative to develop a pill aimed at safeguarding troops from Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS) in the event of radiation exposure. The project, led by Nebraska-based researchers, marks a significant stride in military medical research, offering potential protection for troops operating where radiation poses a… -
Britain is trying to give Ukraine minehunters: Weapon of the week
The premiere episode of Weapons & Warfare delves into the British government’s plans to give Ukraine two Royal Navy ships: Sandown class minehunters. These ships can seek, detect and destroy individual mines. Russia has been using tanks, landmines, artillery barrages and more in its ground offensive against Ukraine. Beyond land assaults, though, Russia has been… -
Iran moves warship into Red Sea after US weekend attacks on Houthi boats
One of the most powerful ships in the Islamic Republic of Iran’s navy is now in the Red Sea. The 51-year-old warship, Alborz, entered the area after the U.S. Navy sunk some boats operated by Iranian-backed Houthi militants. The Houthis are attacking ships in the Red Sea to show solidarity with Hamas terrorists in Gaza.… -
Rare breed: Marines graduate last of the scout snipers
It’s the end of an era dating back to World War I. The United States Marine Corps isn’t training scout snipers anymore. On Dec. 15, the last eight graduated from the Marines’ scout sniper training school in North Carolina. The decision to phase out scout snipers is part of the Corps’ Force Design 2030, a… -
US rebuilding airfields used to launch nuclear attacks on Japan
The United States Air Force is rebuilding the airfield used to launch the nuclear attacks on Japan during World War II, reclaiming Tinian Island’s north field from the jungle — just in case it’s needed in a war with China. Diplomatic efforts to prevent a conflict notwithstanding, the U.S. and China are on a path… -
China’s ‘Divine Dragon’ space plane lays ‘eggs’ in Earth orbit
China’s secretive space plane, called Shenlong or “Divine Dragon,” is apparently laying “eggs” into Earth’s orbit. The astronomer who originally tracked the objects called them “mysterious wingmen,” but in truth, it’s not clear what they are. China launched the Shenlong on Dec. 14, marking the space plane’s third voyage into orbit. That’s when amateur astronomer…