Latest news with #drone
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
The Army has a novel solution to its drone problem: Shoot them with tanks
The Army has solved its drone problem. What you do is: you shoot them with a tank. Problem solved, right? Not quite, but that describes some of the reaction after the service released its latest update to its 'Tank Platoon' manual, known as ATP 3-20.15, late last week, and a set of diagrams deep in the appendix caught the eye of many online. It's not hard to see why. Taken by themselves, the diagrams do come across as a bit… optimistic. They present an extremely simplified vision of a hypothetical tank-vs-drone encounter, a subject that combat in Ukraine has proven is neither simple nor hypothetical for armor formations. In the diagrams, a squad of M1 Abrams main battle tanks aim at a passing drone — which the Army calls an unmanned aircraft system or UAS — and shoot it down with fire from their main 120mm cannon. The course of action instructions alongside the diagram suggest that crews employ the M1028 120mm canister rounds for the takedown. The M1028 is a fairly awful weapon to contemplate, a 120mm shell stuffed with over 1000 tungsten projectiles designed to scatter like grapeshot and mow through dismounted infantry or, in this case, clip a fragile drone in its wide field of disbursement. At least that seems to be the thinking here. Gunners should lead a straight-flying UAS, the manual says, by that most All-American of distance estimates, 'one-half football field.' A second diagram addresses the quadcopter variety of drone, which are rarely seen flying straight and narrow but instead loop and dive directly at their targets. For those, the diagrams say, aim 'slightly above helicopter body.' The new manual represents the Army's first rewrite of its armor procedures to address the threat of drones, but the simple diagrams are hardly the service's first crack at counter-UAS tactics. In fact, missed by most of the online commenters is that the diagrams are pulled from the section on intentionally simple immediate action drills. Immediate action drills, or battle drills, are familiar to any soldier as the building blocks of combat tactics — simple, short, easy-to-memorize instructions for specific scenarios that units practice until they are second nature. But revisions throughout the rest of the tank manual make clear that 'second nature' is what the army wants drone combat to be. Drones now a 'critical task' The revised manual mentions unmanned systems over 100 times and puts combat with UASs into two of a tanker's 12 'Critical Tactical Tasks,' alongside such tank basics as field maintenance and casualty care and evacuation. Drone engagements now also gets its own section in the manual's operating instructions. 'The platoon should assume they are being observed by enemy reconnaissance and targeting systems, and not assume they are under a protective umbrella of friendly air and missile defense units,' the section begins. 'The platoon must react quickly and appropriately respond and report when recognizing signs of possible enemy observation or attack.' Tankers think of defenses against UAS in two categories: active and passive. Passive defense is a relatively straightforward idea: more armor, more hiding. 'Limiting damage and attack avoidance measures are passive defense measures that are used to avoid detection from aerial threats and limit damage if attacked,' the manual says. Those measures include a checklist with everything from smearing mud on headlights for light discipline to OPSEC in the planning stages and using decoys — both real and electronic — to draw drones away. Another passive defense the Army is looking into giving its tanks, as the War Zone reported last month, includes more armor and even 'cope cages' on the top, a weak spot made famous in Ukraine but exploited by ISIS as far back as 2017 in Syria. Active measures are a whole different ballgame, which are manual and automated systems designed to shoot drones out of the sky as they approach a tank. They vary from decades-old reactive armor, to new and in-development laser or radar-directed rockets and 30mm cannons that can swat drones away as they approach. Adding an 'air guard' to the crew Perhaps most interesting though is the manual's instructions for a designated member of the crew to act as 'air guard.' This job — which the manual says will likely fall to the crew's loader — will be used 'for every vehicle and position to establish 360-degree security.' The air guard's job, the manual says, is 'to be vigilant with eyes on the horizon. Air guards are responsible for spotting aerial threats within proximity to the unit's location and providing early warning.' And while drone battles are likely to continue to be a technology race between drone makers and counter-measure builders, the Army seems to think a key to that race will be the very human skill of listening. 'Air guards should position themselves where they can best observe and, more importantly, listen for threat UAS,' the manual says. 'When listening, OPs should exercise noise discipline, ensure all engines are of,f and remove their headgear to listen. Early warning is the key for air guards.' Read the full 432-page 'Tank Platoon' manual here. The latest on Task & Purpose Air Force updates uniform standards including new rules for boots The Army and Navy want the 'right to repair' their own equipment Here is every rifle Marines have used in the last 250 years The Army has realized that horses are no longer good for 'warfighting' Army will look for false accusations, consider 'credibility' in misconduct cases Solve the daily Crossword
Digital Trends
8 hours ago
- Automotive
- Digital Trends
Drone Zips to 124mph in 1 second
What's Happened? A video circulating social media and YouTube showcases a custom racing drone built by Trinx Pepino, accelerating from 0 to 200 km/h in just one second, leaving even Formula 1 cars in the dust. Shared across platforms like Reddit and X, this feat highlights the raw power of modern FPV (First Person View) drones, built for speed and agility. These drones, like the AstroX TrueX 5, use high-voltage batteries (6S or higher) and lightweight designs to achieve mind-blowing acceleration, hitting speeds that rival supercars. This custom racing drone built by Trinx Pepino can hit 200 KM/H in one second. That's faster off the line than an F1 Car. Video: trinxfpv / Instagram#drone #droneracing #TechNews — Digital Trends (@DigitalTrends) July 15, 2025 This Is Important Because: This level of performance underscores the rapid evolution of drone technology. Unlike filming drones that prioritize stability, racing drones are engineered for maximum speed, boasting power-to-weight ratios that enable 5.6g acceleration.. Posts on X and Reddit note these drones outpace F1 cars in initial acceleration, signaling potential applications beyond racing, from cinematography to military use. Recommended Videos Why You Should Care: The tech behind these drones isn't just for thrill-seekers or drone racing. It's pushing boundaries in industries like filmmaking, where drones capture dynamic shots unattainable by traditional cameras, and logistics, where speed could redefine delivery systems. However, concerns arise about safety and regulation, as Reddit users speculate about the risks of such high-speed devices in untrained hands or militarized contexts. Ok, What's Next? Expect drone racing to gain traction, with events like the Drone Racing League showcasing these speed demons. Innovations in battery life and AI could make drones even faster and smarter, potentially integrating with autonomous systems. Meanwhile, regulators may tighten rules to address safety concerns. FYI, is it a Drone or UAP? Since November of 2024, residents across New Jersey and New York have reported signs of large unidentified drones at night, often mistaken for Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAPs). With drones hitting speeds as reported above, it's easy to see how people may confuse them as objects from out of this world.
The Sun
9 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Dramatic moment British killer drone fires laser guided missile in incredible world-first that could change warfighting
DRAMATIC footage caught the moment a British killer drone fired a laser-guided missile in an incredible world-first mission set to change dogfights. T150, a heavy-lifter quadcopter, was seen firing precision rockets - obliterating targets on the ground and in the air. 6 6 6 6 Footage shared by Malloy Aeronautics - a Brit aviation company which manufactured the drone - shows the drone successfully shooting a winged drone during a trial in the US. It marks the first time a precision munition was fired from a rotary drone to blast another airborne target, according to British defence giant BAE Systems, which owns Malloy. The clip also showed a quadcopter launching missiles and blasting a van during trials this summer over a desert in Utah. Engineers said the trials marked a 'game-changing moment for the modern battlefield'. It is being seen as a breakthrough in modern warfare tactics that could help thwart cheap kamikaze drone attacks without having to deploy expensive defence systems - like the US patriot missiles. The drone can be equipped with with APKWS laser-guidance kit that fires 70-millimetre rockets up to 6.5 kilometres. Initially, the drone system was designed to act as a heavy lifter for the military. Each one can carry loads of up to 68kg each - allowing them to take over cargo jobs that are currently carried out using manned helicopters. The weapon system can be removed from the drone within an hour, enabling the drone to be repurposed to supply cargo or to perform reconnaissance It is already used by the US Marines and Britain's Royal Navy to move equipment between ships at sea, replacing some helicopter lifts. China & Russia will use drones 'the size of insects' to spy on UK & commit untraceable murders, ex-Google futurist warns Anthony Gregory, of BAE Systems Air, said: 'Everybody can see what's going on in the world with drone technology. "So the counter-[drone] piece is on everybody's lips, and therefore trying to do that sustainably and affordably. 'At the moment, people are having to fire patriot missiles and all that kind of stuff. "That's an expensive way of countering a very low-cost threat. So that's the genesis of why we've gone down this avenue.' Cheap drones have been touted as the future of modern warfare after Ukraine took the world by surprise with its advanced drone technology. 6 6 And the best example of Kyiv 's pioneering work on aerial warfare has to be Operation Spiderweb - a mass drone attack which inflicted $7billion worth of damage and left Russia 's precious fleet of bombers in tatters. The T150 drones currently cost tens of thousands of pounds each to produce. But BAE Systems said it was developing a new weaponised drone, aiming to offer military customers a lower-cost option for countering unmanned aircraft. Given anticipated demand from Western militaries, BAE said it was aiming to start manufacturing the electric motors that power the drone in Britain, instead of buying them from China. "We're trying to what we would call onshore, or friend shore, all elements in the value chain of the supply chain," Gregory said. Inside Operation Spiderweb By James Halpin, Foreign News Reporter UKRAINE'S shock sleeper drone blitz on Russia's bomber fleet has delivered a hammer blow to Vladimir Putin's nuclear arsenal. The SAS-style strike against four airfields deep inside Russia is reminiscent of the most daring raids of the WW2 that turned the tide against the Nazis. Volodymyr Zelensky oversaw Operation Spiderweb - much like Winston Churchill did as Britain struck deep behind enemy lines. Putin's doomsday bomber fleet is now crippled with 41, or a third, of his most prized aircraft lying in smouldering wrecks on tarmac. Ukraine said the sneak attack was worth $7bn (£5.2bn) in damage to Russia - caused by only 117 cheaply made drones. Ukraine's spies spent 18 months putting the plan into action and struck on the eve of fresh peace talks in Istanbul. The drones and the containers were smuggled into Russia separately and were pieced together right under Vlad's nose. Clueless lorry drivers then parked the containers next to Russian airbases - where they sat and waited in plain sight. Then, on the morning of June 1, the fleet of flying bombs rose over the far reaches of Russia - and the most daring military operation of the war began. Nondescript shipping containers parked in laybys and verges had attracted little attention - before their lids blew open and the drone swarms poured out. The craft buzzed as they took off into the air and only had to travel a short distance to their valuable targets. Each of the 117 drones had their own dedicated pilot and Russia had little defences to protect their bases and stop them. Drones with cameras sent video back to HQ in Ukraine of the moment craft struck their targets and explosions ripped into the sky. Thick black smoke climbed high, with civilians near the bases sending video of Ukraine's successes around the world. The furthest strike was Belaya Air Base - so far inside Russia that the closest neighbouring country is Mongolia. Olenya Air Base near Finland and Ivanovo and Dyagilevo near Moscow were also struck in the country's west.
Forbes
11 hours ago
- Business
- Forbes
RCAT Stock To $25?
CHONGQING, CHINA - MAY 11: In this photo illustration, the logo of Red Cat Holdings, Inc. is ... More displayed on a smartphone screen, with the company's red branding and stylized cat face emblem visible in the background, on May 11, 2025, in Chongqing, China. (Photo illustration by) Red Cat Holdings (NASDAQ:RCAT) has experienced a remarkable increase in its stock by 500% over the past year, mainly due to its strategic emphasis on the rapidly expanding drone defense sector. This exceptional growth is fueled by notable military contract achievements, even as the company continues to incur losses. A significant contributor to this success is the U.S. Army's Short Range Reconnaissance (SRR) program, which may enable Red Cat's Black Widow drones to provide up to 5,880 units over five years. Additionally, the company has secured fresh orders for its Edge 130 drones from various U.S. government entities. This increase in demand is further bolstered by a global rise in defense expenditures on drone technology, partly influenced by the conflict in Ukraine. Red Cat's dedication to 'Made in America' drone solutions is proving essential, aligning with national security objectives. The company's strategic alliance with Palantirfor AI navigation and manufacturing optimization, together with its innovative Edge 130 and Black Widow products, is expected to result in a notable growth in anticipated revenues this year, with the Black Widow drone expected to guide the company towards profitability. However, for those seeking upside with a less volatile option than an individual stock, consider the High Quality portfolio, which has outperformed the S&P, achieving over 91% returns since its inception. Separately, check out – D-Wave Quantum: Can QBTS Stock Deliver Another 1,000% Gain? Financial Performance Analysis Red Cat presents a complicated financial scenario with contrasting short-term and long-term trends: Red Cat's current profitability measures are severely unfavorable across all key metrics: These metrics indicate the company's ongoing investment stage as it scales up production capabilities and meets military contract demands. Despite operational losses, Red Cat preserves a robust financial basis: The low debt load affords financial flexibility for growth investments and fulfilling contracts. Valuation Metrics Red Cat's valuation appears high based on traditional metrics, with a price-to-sales ratio of 80x compared to the S&P 500's 3.1x. However, this superficial analysis fails to account for the company's transformation narrative. The valuation becomes increasingly attractive when projected growth is taken into account: Risk Assessment Red Cat Holdings faces significant risks, including operational difficulties in scaling manufacturing to fulfill large military contracts, maintaining rigorous quality control, and managing supply chain vulnerabilities. Market-wise, the company contends with fierce competition, possible changes in defense spending, and substantial customer concentration due to its reliance on government contracts. Moreover, RCAT stock carries considerable market risk, having underperformed significantly compared to the S&P 500 during prior downturns. Financially, ongoing negative cash flow requires continuous access to capital, and timelines for profitability could be impacted by legal challenges, such as class action lawsuits alleging false claims about production capacity and the true value of the SRR contract. Geopolitical elements like defense budget reductions, export limitations, and decreased global tensions also present risks to future growth and market development. Additionally, check out – What's Happening With SBET Stock? The Verdict Red Cat Holdings showcases an intriguing growth narrative within the defense technology arena, with the 500% appreciation in stock price representing both the company's strategic positioning and the larger drone market opportunity. While current financials indicate substantial losses, the strong balance sheet and significant military contracts lay a foundation for anticipated revenue growth. The forward-looking valuation seems reasonable given the potential for growth, though execution risks and market competition are crucial factors for investors to watch closely. Now, we utilize a risk assessment framework while constructing Trefis High Quality (HQ) Portfolio which, with a collection of 30 stocks, has consistently shown strong performance against the S&P 500 over the past four years. Why is that? As a collective, HQ Portfolio stocks have offered superior returns with reduced risk in comparison to the benchmark index; a smoother investment experience, as evidenced in HQ Portfolio performance metrics.
Arab News
16 hours ago
- Politics
- Arab News
Yemen's Houthis claim missile attack on Israel airport
Yemen's Houthis claimed a missile launched at Israel's main civilian airport, after the Israeli military said it intercepted a missile fired from the Arabian Peninsula country. The Houthis targeted Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv with a 'Zulfiqar ballistic missile' and drone, military spokesman Yehya Saree said late Wednesday. In the video statement, he also announced drone attacks on military targets and the southern Israeli port of Eilat. The Houthis have launched repeated missile and drone attacks against Israel since the Gaza war began in October 2023, sparked by Hamas's attack on Israel, claiming solidarity with Palestinians. In response, Israel has carried out several air strikes on Yemen, including on the port city of Hodeida earlier this month. The Israeli military had said that 'following the sirens that sounded a short while ago in several areas in Israel, one missile that was launched from Yemen was intercepted.' Early on Wednesday, pro-government forces in Yemen said they seized '750 tons of weapons' en route from Iran to the Houthis. US Central Command hailed the operation, calling it 'the largest seizure of Iranian advanced conventional weapons in their history.' Tarek Saleh, who heads the Yemeni National Resistance Forces, said in a post on X that the seizure included 'naval and air missile systems, an air defense system, modern radars, drones, monitoring devices, anti-tank missiles, B-10 artillery, tracking lenses, sniper rifles, ammunition, and military equipment.' Earlier this month, the Houthis resumed deadly attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, targeting ships they accuse of having links to Israel, to force Israel to end the Gaza war.
