Articles tagged with "radar-systems"
China's supercooled radar chips may boost stealth jet detection by 40%
Chinese researchers at Xidian University have developed a novel supercooling technique for gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductor chips that could enhance military radar performance by approximately 40%. The innovation addresses a critical limitation in high-power electronics—heat buildup—by improving the thermal management at the materials level. By precisely controlling the growth of the bonding layer inside the chip, the team reduced thermal resistance by about one-third, enabling more efficient heat dissipation and power handling. This advancement allows radar systems operating in the X and Ka frequency bands to transmit stronger signals and detect weaker echoes without increasing size or weight, benefiting both military and civilian applications such as advanced aircraft radars and next-generation wireless networks. The breakthrough has significant strategic implications, particularly for China’s stealth aircraft like the J-20 and J-35, which already use GaN-based radars with longer detection ranges than older systems. In contrast, U.S. stealth platforms like the F-22 rely on older radar technology, and upgrades to Ga
materialsenergysemiconductor-technologygallium-nitrideradar-systemschip-coolinghigh-power-electronicsChina to supercharge J-20 stealth fighter with new radar, engines, AI
China is set to upgrade its J-20 stealth fighter with enhanced avionics, new engines, and artificial intelligence (AI) integration, marking a significant step in the aircraft’s development as it celebrates 15 years since its first flight. The J-20, developed by Chengdu Aircraft Corporation and in service since 2017, is a key component of China’s military modernization and a counter to advanced US stealth fighters like the F-22. The upcoming upgrades will focus on improving internal systems such as radar and infrared tracking to boost target detection and situational awareness, especially for long-range engagements. In addition to avionics, the J-20’s weapons and engines will see advancements. Future air-to-air missiles are expected to have longer ranges and enhanced resistance to electronic interference. Engine upgrades have progressed from Russian Saturn AL-31 models to China’s domestically produced WS-10C and now the more powerful WS-15, which offers better thrust and high-speed performance. AI integration is anticipated to serve
robotartificial-intelligenceavionicsstealth-technologymilitary-technologyradar-systemsaerospace-engineeringTurkey’s drone makes world's first beyond-visual-range aerial kill
Turkey’s Baykar defense company has announced a world-first achievement in aviation with its Bayraktar Kizilelma unmanned combat aircraft (UCA). In a recent test conducted over the Black Sea near Sinop, the drone successfully shot down a jet-powered aircraft using a beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile, marking the first time such a kill has been made by a drone. The operation utilized three domestically developed Turkish technologies: the Kizilelma drone, the Gokdogan missile, and Aselsan’s Murad Aesa radar, all produced by Turkish firms, underscoring the country’s growing indigenous defense capabilities. The Bayraktar Kizilelma is a fighter UAV designed to meet Turkey’s future defense needs, featuring a 14.5-meter length, 10-meter wingspan, and a maximum takeoff weight of 8.5 tons. Powered by a turbofan engine, it can reach speeds up to 0.9 Mach
robotdroneunmanned-aerial-vehiclemilitary-technologyaerospacemissile-technologyradar-systems‘Steel Dome’ air defense to counter drone swarms, missiles in Turkey
Turkey has launched its ambitious “Steel Dome” integrated air defense system, delivering 47 vehicles worth $460 million to the Turkish Armed Forces. Developed primarily by domestic defense firms including Aselsan, Roketsan, TÜBİTAK SAGE, and MKE, the system combines air defense, radar, and electronic warfare capabilities to create a multi-layered national shield against a wide range of aerial threats, from drone swarms to ballistic missiles. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan described Steel Dome as Turkey’s “security umbrella” in the skies, emphasizing its role in enhancing national security and deterring adversaries. The Steel Dome operates as a “system of systems,” integrating real-time data from multiple sensors and sources, refined by artificial intelligence, to provide commanders with a unified Recognized Air Picture (RAP) across the country. It is designed to protect critical regions such as Ankara, the Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits, and strategic assets like the Akkuyu nuclear power plant.
robotIoTenergymaterialsair-defenseradar-systemselectronic-warfareartificial-intelligencemilitary-technologyNASA’s Largest Satellite Antenna Ever Has Just Unfurled in Space
NASA and the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) have successfully deployed the largest radar antenna reflector ever put into orbit on the NISAR satellite, which launched on July 30, 2023. The antenna, measuring 39 feet across and made from gold-plated wire mesh, unfolded fully 17 days after launch, marking a major milestone for the mission. NISAR is equipped with two types of synthetic aperture radar (SAR)—L-band and S-band—that enable it to penetrate forest canopies, clouds, and snow cover to monitor Earth’s surface with unprecedented resolution. This capability allows the satellite to track ice sheet and glacier movements, crustal deformation from earthquakes and landslides, and changes in ecosystems with centimeter-level accuracy. NISAR represents a significant technological collaboration between NASA and ISRO, combining decades of radar technology development from NASA with ISRO’s expertise in satellite infrastructure and launch operations. NASA provided the L-band SAR and data communications, while ISRO contributed the S-band
satellite-technologysynthetic-aperture-radarspace-antennaremote-sensingEarth-observationradar-systemsNASA-technologyT-14 Armata: A $8 Million Revolution or Just a Showpiece?
The T-14 Armata, heralded as Russia’s next-generation super tank, features cutting-edge technology such as an unmanned turret, advanced radar systems, and next-generation armor, positioning it as a potential revolution in armored warfare. Priced at an unprecedented $8 million per unit, it is the most expensive tank Russia has ever developed. Despite its impressive specifications and high-profile debut nearly a decade ago, the T-14 has yet to enter mass production or see significant frontline deployment. The tank’s development has been hampered by high costs, production delays, and concerns about reliability, raising doubts about whether Russia can afford to field it extensively. As a result, the T-14 remains largely a parade piece rather than an operational battlefield asset. The key question remains whether the Armata will ultimately prove to be a transformative weapon system or simply an expensive prototype that Russia struggles to integrate into its military forces.
robotmilitary-technologyunmanned-systemsadvanced-armorradar-systemsdefense-technologyarmored-vehiclesRainmaker partners with Atmo to squeeze more rain from clouds
The article discusses a partnership between two startups, Rainmaker and Atmo, which operate at different stages of weather modification and forecasting. Atmo uses deep learning models to analyze atmospheric patterns and forecast weather events, helping Rainmaker identify clouds suitable for cloud seeding. Rainmaker then deploys cloud seeding via small drones to enhance precipitation from these clouds. In return, Rainmaker provides data from its proprietary radar system to measure the additional rainfall generated. This collaboration aims to optimize cloud seeding efforts by combining advanced forecasting with targeted precipitation enhancement. Despite recent conspiracy theories in Texas blaming Rainmaker for floods, scientists consulted by TechCrunch emphasize that cloud seeding can only induce a relatively small increase in precipitation compared to the vast volume processed by large storms. Cloud seeding is commonly used in the Western U.S. to augment snowpack and reservoir water levels, with more modest results in regions like West Texas due to differences in cloud responsiveness. Experts note that rainstorms, already primed to release precipitation, are less
dronescloud-seedingweather-forecastingatmospheric-scienceenvironmental-technologyradar-systemsprecipitation-enhancementConspiracy Theories About the Texas Floods Lead to Death Threats
The article details how conspiracy theories surrounding the recent devastating floods in Texas have incited dangerous actions and threats. Michael Meyer, founder of the anti-government extremist group Veterans on Patrol, claimed on Telegram that the floods were caused by a "weather weapon" targeting Texas, leading to escalated efforts to "eliminate this military treason." Shortly after, an unidentified man damaged the NextGen Live Radar system operated by News 9 in Oklahoma City, disrupting weather monitoring capabilities. Meyer indicated this attack was part of "Operation Lone Wolf," encouraging others to target weather radar and satellite systems to undermine mainstream media, which he accused of lying to the public. These events occur amid a widespread disinformation campaign involving extremist figures, right-wing influencers, and some GOP lawmakers who promoted the debunked theory that the Texas floods were artificially induced through directed energy weapons or cloud seeding, rather than by natural heavy rainfall. This misinformation has led to over 100 confirmed deaths from the flooding, threats against individuals and companies like cloud
energyIoTradar-systemsweather-technologydirected-energy-weaponscloud-seedingNOAAUS labs build low-cost gallium nitride chips for next-gen radars
Researchers at MIT and partner institutions have developed a novel, low-cost fabrication process that integrates high-performance gallium nitride (GaN) transistors onto standard silicon CMOS chips. This breakthrough addresses previous challenges related to GaN’s high cost and specialized integration needs by using a scalable method compatible with existing semiconductor manufacturing. The process involves creating many tiny GaN transistor "dielets," which are bonded onto silicon chips using a low-temperature copper-to-copper bonding technique. This approach maintains material functionality, reduces system temperature, and significantly enhances performance while keeping costs low. The team demonstrated the effectiveness of this hybrid chip technology by building a power amplifier that outperformed traditional silicon-based devices in signal strength and efficiency, indicating potential improvements in wireless communication such as better call quality, increased bandwidth, and longer battery life. The integration method avoids expensive materials and high temperatures, making it compatible with standard semiconductor foundries and promising broad applicability in commercial electronics. Additionally, the researchers suggest that this technology could support quantum computing applications due to
materialsgallium-nitridesemiconductorCMOSchip-fabricationpower-electronicsradar-systems