Latest news with #LUCAS


Economic Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Economic Times
Did US just cloned Iranian Shahed? All about LUCAS, America's 'cheap and deadly' kamikaze drone
AP Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Prototyping and Experimentation Alexander Lovett, left, shows a drone to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, right, at a display of multi-domain autonomous systems in the Pentagon courtyard, Wednesday, July 16, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) The United States has introduced a new low-cost combat drone aimed squarely at countering the growing threat of Iranian-designed Shahed-type drones used extensively by Russia in its ongoing war against Ukraine. Unveiled on July 16, 2025, at the Pentagon, the drone—LUCAS, or Low-Cost Uncrewed Combat Attack System—has been developed by Arizona-based defense contractor SpektreWorks. It is designed to provide a scalable and affordable option for tactical drone warfare, much like the Shaheds that have allowed Moscow to wage relentless air campaigns since late 2022. LUCAS reportedly features a modular, open architecture that supports a range of mission types including strike, reconnaissance, and communications support. Its design allows for quick payload swaps and multiple launch options, such as rocket-assisted takeoff (RATO) or deployment from military vehicles. — clashreport (@clashreport) It can function either as a target drone or a combat UAV, and is built to be operated by non-specialized personnel, giving it a logistical advantage in fast-moving conflict zones. The drone supports autonomous collaborative missions and is compatible with the Multi-Domain Unmanned System Communication (MUSIC) network. This allows it to act as a communication relay, enhancing secure interoperability between US forces and allies in contested environments. According to Defence Security Asia, the drones weighing under 600 kg and are capable of operating at medium altitudes and extended ranges. Reportedly, it's price may fall to about USD 100,000, making it an economically viable platform to be fielded en masse. Interestingly, many on social media platform X said that the LUCAS drone looks identical to the Iranian drone. "Designed by a US defense startup, it's virtually identical to Iran's 'Shahed 136' and Russia's 'Geran-2' UAVs," said in a post. The unveiling comes amid Russia's intensifying use of Shahed-type drones to bombard Ukrainian infrastructure and military targets. In response, Ukraine has stepped up its efforts to produce and deploy interceptor drones, with President Volodymyr Zelensky's office confirming on June 21 that the country is rapidly expanding production of its own UAV defense to internal Ukrainian estimates seen by Reuters, drones accounted for 69% of strikes on Russian troops and 75% of strikes on vehicles and equipment in planned production this year of 30,000 long-range UAVs, designed to attack targets deep inside Russia such as arms depots and energy facilities.


Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Did US just cloned Iranian Shahed? All about LUCAS, America's 'cheap and deadly' kamikaze drone
The United States has introduced a new low-cost combat drone aimed squarely at countering the growing threat of Iranian-designed Shahed-type drones used extensively by Russia in its ongoing war against Ukraine. Unveiled on July 16, 2025, at the Pentagon, the drone—LUCAS, or Low-Cost Uncrewed Combat Attack System—has been developed by Arizona-based defense contractor SpektreWorks . It is designed to provide a scalable and affordable option for tactical drone warfare, much like the Shaheds that have allowed Moscow to wage relentless air campaigns since late 2022. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category CXO Degree Operations Management Product Management Management Healthcare Data Science PGDM Others Artificial Intelligence others Data Science Cybersecurity MCA MBA Leadership Design Thinking Digital Marketing Data Analytics Public Policy Project Management healthcare Technology Finance Skills you'll gain: Technology Strategy & Innovation Emerging Technologies & Digital Transformation Leadership in Technology Management Cybersecurity & Risk Management Duration: 24 Weeks Indian School of Business ISB Chief Technology Officer Starts on Jun 28, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Operations Strategy for Business Excellence Organizational Transformation Corporate Communication & Crisis Management Capstone Project Presentation Duration: 11 Months IIM Lucknow Chief Operations Officer Programme Starts on Jun 30, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Customer-Centricity & Brand Strategy Product Marketing, Distribution, & Analytics Digital Strategies & Innovation Skills Leadership Insights & AI Integration Expertise Duration: 10 Months IIM Kozhikode IIMK Chief Marketing and Growth Officer Starts on Apr 7, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Digital Strategy Development Expertise Emerging Technologies & Digital Trends Data-driven Decision Making Leadership in the Digital Age Duration: 40 Weeks Indian School of Business ISB Chief Digital Officer Starts on Jun 30, 2024 Get Details All about LUCAS drone LUCAS reportedly features a modular, open architecture that supports a range of mission types including strike, reconnaissance, and communications support. Its design allows for quick payload swaps and multiple launch options, such as rocket-assisted takeoff (RATO) or deployment from military vehicles. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo — clashreport (@clashreport) It can function either as a target drone or a combat UAV, and is built to be operated by non-specialized personnel, giving it a logistical advantage in fast-moving conflict zones. Live Events The drone supports autonomous collaborative missions and is compatible with the Multi-Domain Unmanned System Communication (MUSIC) network. This allows it to act as a communication relay, enhancing secure interoperability between US forces and allies in contested environments. According to Defence Security Asia, the drones weighing under 600 kg and are capable of operating at medium altitudes and extended ranges. Reportedly, it's price may fall to about USD 100,000, making it an economically viable platform to be fielded en masse. Interestingly, many on social media platform X said that the LUCAS drone looks identical to the Iranian drone. "Designed by a US defense startup, it's virtually identical to Iran's 'Shahed 136' and Russia's 'Geran-2' UAVs," said in a post. The unveiling comes amid Russia's intensifying use of Shahed-type drones to bombard Ukrainian infrastructure and military targets. In response, Ukraine has stepped up its efforts to produce and deploy interceptor drones, with President Volodymyr Zelensky's office confirming on June 21 that the country is rapidly expanding production of its own UAV defense systems. According to internal Ukrainian estimates seen by Reuters, drones accounted for 69% of strikes on Russian troops and 75% of strikes on vehicles and equipment in 2024. Kyiv's planned production this year of 30,000 long-range UAVs, designed to attack targets deep inside Russia such as arms depots and energy facilities.


New York Times
08-07-2025
- Health
- New York Times
Lung Cancer Screening on Wheels
West Virginia's back roads — two lanes, carved into steep mountainsides — were never meant for LUCAS, a 68,000-pound tractor-trailer that brings lung cancer screening to the most rural parts of the state. Lung cancer is the deadliest type of cancer in the United States, claiming about 125,000 lives each year — more than breast, colorectal and cervical cancers combined. Though lung cancer screening by CT scan can be lifesaving and insurers are required to cover it, the test is a little-known option. Less than 20 percent of eligible people get screened, compared with the 70 to 80 percent who get mammograms, colonoscopies and Pap smears, federal data shows. These challenges are exacerbated in West Virginia, which has the highest smoking rate in the country and a largely rural population without easy access to a hospital with lung screening. Half of its lung cancer cases are not caught until Stage 4, when treatment options are limited. LUCAS, which is run by the West Virginia University Cancer Institute, hit the road in 2021. It was the first fully mobile lung cancer screening unit in the country. 'We have to be more creative about bringing health care to people,' said Dr. Hannah Hazard-Jenkins, the institute's director. 'As opposed to always forcing them to us.' Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Urbana Fire Department honors 6 first responders for life-saving efforts
URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — Six first responders received an EMS award from the Urbana Fire Department for their response to a male in cardiac arrest in April. These first responders with the following agencies received this award from the Urbana Fire Department: Engine 252: Lt. Josh Ingold, Austin Upton, Firefighter Nick Walker Medic 225: Medic Calvin Larrison, Medic Chris Brown Champaign County Sheriff's Office: Derek Rasmussen University of Illinois names computer scientist, Wisconsin provost as new Chancellor On April 1 at approximately 10:30 p.m., Engine 252 and Medic 225 were dispatched to a medical emergency involving a male in cardiac arrest. Upon arrival, the Champaign County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) was already performing CPR. Engine 252 personnel quickly deployed the cardiac monitor, which revealed the patient was in ventricular fibrillation (V-fib). One shock was delivered, and CPR resumed as the LUCAS device was applied for continuous compressions. An IV was also established. Medic 225 then arrived on scene, and both crews worked together to deliver advanced cardiac life support. After aggressive resuscitative efforts, return of 'spontaneous circulation (ROSC)' was achieved on scene. 'His memory will live in every round that we fight': Champaign boxing gym remembers teen killed in car vs. train accident The patient was then transported to Carle Foundation Hospital for further care. 'Thanks to the fast actions and teamwork of CCSO, Engine 252, Medic 225, this patient was given the best possible chance at survival,' the City of Urbana Fire Department said in a Facebook post. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Biggest fundraising event for Spencerport fire is back
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — Tonight, the Spencerport Firemen's Carnival kicks off with the kiddie parade, and it runs until Saturday. This has been an annual tradition since 1927, and it's Spencerport Volunteer Fire's biggest fundraising event of the year. Using funds from the 2022 carnival, they were able to buy the $20,000 LUCAS device. It's a machine that does chest compressions for someone having a heart attack. Spencerport Firemen's Carnival updates security protocols after last year's incidents 'It's really important that the community knows that their dollars are being well spent,' said Aaron Baker, the president of the Spencerport Volunteer Firemen's Association. 'It saves the responders time, it saves them energy because they're not doing compressions themselves —they're using this device to do those compressions for them. Those types of things are critical for us, and the tools that we use to help save lives.' During the 2024 Firemen's Carnival, over 200 people broke out into fights as things were wrapping up, which led to a police response. To avoid that, they have updated security protocols for this year's event, including fencing the perimeter, minors must be accompanied, pets are not allowed, and weapons are banned. So, familiarize yourself with those rules before you have some fun. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.