Emma Helfrich Emma Helfrich

The current state of military hypersonic programs

In the fourth episode of On the Radar, Emma Helfrich and John McHale discuss the concept of the hypersonic weapon and its history with the Department of Defense as it stands entering the new year. Also mentioned are additionally notable programs on the forefront of hypersonic weapon and detection innovation including both Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and Georgia Institute of Technology-led strategies. Helfrich and McHale go on to outline funding projections, explain China's hypersonic test launch that occurred in August 2021, and try and break down congressional critiques of these MACH 5 missiles.

Read More
Emma Helfrich Emma Helfrich

Cyber defense, tackling the climate crisis, and defunding platforms outlined in FY 2022 defense budget request

In the third episode of On the Radar, Emma Helfrich and John McHale chat about how the DoD plans to bankroll cyberspace activities and efforts to tackle the climate crisis, and why the divestments are happening where they are. Obstacles like cyberattacks, environmental changes, and technology refresh may be intangible, but can effect mission readiness in a very real way. Modern warfare is constantly evolving and adapting to better operate under circumstances that are difficult to control, and Helfrich and McHale wrap up the DoD budget request series with their takes on how military electronics could acclimate.

Read More
Emma Helfrich Emma Helfrich

Hypersonic weapons, AI, and 5G funding outlined in FY 2022 defense budget request

In the second episode of On the Radar, Emma Helfrich and John McHale discuss the first three of six total highlights pulled from the Innovation and Modernization chapter of the FY 2022 budget request and explain how they may influence the trajectory of military electronics. Topics covered include funding for science and technology research, advanced capability enablers, and space-based systems. With an overall goal of maintaining technological superiority over adversaries, Helfrich and McHale chat about how the DoD is preparing to innovate.

Read More
Emma Helfrich Emma Helfrich

Discussing the trajectory of AI-powered military technology

In the debut episode of On the Radar, Emma Helfrich and John McHale of Military Embedded Systems discuss the current state of military AI and machine learning (ML), how these advancements are being financed, and the obstacles that stand in innovation's way. Also covered is the concept of defining the ethics of ML-powered systems and DoD research and development funding for AI.

Read More
Emma Helfrich Emma Helfrich

Counter-UAV advancements pull from commercial innovation to dominate the spectrum

Counter-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) systems are pivotal players on the electromagnetic spectrum. In this podcast, Emma Helfrich, guest host and technology editor with Military Embedded Systems, talks with Ryan Hurt, vice president of business development at Liteye Systems, to discuss the C-UAV systems that equip the U.S. Army. Helfrich and Hurt cover the Electronic Warfare (EW) capabilities, like radar and sensors, that power C-UAV systems and further the idea that innovation is dependent on data processing and intelligent algorithms to reduce the sensor-to-shooter timeline and protect the Army from aerial threats.

Read More