Willie Peloquin

The rules of defense innovation are changing. As acquisition timelines compress and operational risk is redefined, 2026 will demand a different approach—one grounded in faster decisions, integrated data, and AI that builds confidence at every level of command. In his end-of-year reflection, Virtualitics CEO Michael Amori not only examines why these reforms represent more than a reset for defense acquisition, but also what they mean for the future of the defense technology and industrial ecosystem. Read the full perspective here 👉 https://lnkd.in/gHBP39zC

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We are partnering with the Texas A&M University System’s George H.W. Bush Combat Development Complex (BCDC) on a testbed to fight wildfires using autonomous helicopters. Leveraging the autonomous flight technology demonstrated in our Aircrew Labor In-cockpit Automation System (ALIAS) program, the effort aims to transform wildfire response from containment to extinguishment. The testbed will explore the operational utility of autonomy by demonstrating its dual use capability to advance national defense and civilian safety. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eZutrbt7 #Wildfire #AutonomousFlight #DARPA #AerospaceInnovation #DisasterResponse #DualUseTech #ALIAS #MATRIX #DefenseInnovation

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Galactic speed trap? Activated! Los Alamos National Laboratory researchers and the United States Air Force Academy built a spacecraft speedometer to keep tracking satellites even when traffic makes it hard. 🚓🛰️ https://lnkd.in/gnQFBc8n

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We are working with Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) on the X-ray Extreme-range Non-imaging Analysis (XENA) program with our algorithm designed to enable new capabilities for national security through cutting-edge x-ray technology.

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🗣️ Our newest Zarf Tech Talk recap is live! 📹 Tech Talk: Simplifying DevSecOps in Air-Gapped Environments with Zarf, brought together experts from Sonatype, Defense Unicorns, and Boeing to break down one of the biggest challenges in secure software delivery: operating in disconnected or restricted environments. Whether you're working in regulated sectors or simply want a more predictable, secure supply chain, this talk is packed with practical lessons. 📺 Watch the recording: https://lnkd.in/e_fNNeQB 📝 Read the full recap: https://lnkd.in/eTukHgMx 📄 Access the slides: https://lnkd.in/eVXkygZS Thanks to our moderator ⚙️ Eddie Knight and speakers Brandt Keller, Kit Patella, and Daniel Miller! 🙏 #Zarf #DevSecOps #OpenSSF #TechTalk #OSSSecurity

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Zoom for Government has received authorization from the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) for Department of Defense (DoD) IL4 NIPRNet and internet-facing communications 👉 https://zm.me/41P0yPq This continues our previous DISA authority and Air Force Authority to Operate but now adds IL4 collaboration directly behind the DoD Boundary Connection Access Point or BCAP. This authorization reflects DISA’s rigorous review and reinforces their trust in Zoom for Government as a secure and robust platform for DoD and its mission partners.

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Divergent is proud to partner with Raytheon, an RTX business, to redesign and deliver critical naval systems using the Divergent Adaptive Production System (DAPS). From modernizing decades-old designs to consolidating parts and accelerating timelines, Divergent’s digital manufacturing approach is helping transform defense production. https://lnkd.in/divCnHEu

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Hear from #NAWCAD's test pilots and UAS operators on how our Air Test and Evaluation Squadron TWO FOUR (UX-24) test team is bringing #USMarineCorps aviation advanced ISR and connectivity with MQ-9 Reaper's newest upgrade.

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MTSI announces that DISA/DITCO selected the company for a $416M IDIQ contract under the SBIR Phase III program, which includes a $37M task order supporting AFGSC’s Technology Integration efforts. MTSI advances strategic deterrence by delivering cutting-edge sensor and weapon system technologies for the Air Force and the broader DoD community. “MTSI is excited to work with AFGSC and future partners to strengthen U.S. global deterrence through the development of cutting-edge weapon systems and technologies,” said Vance Drenkhahn, MTSI Executive Vice President, Defense Services Division. Read the full announcement on the MTSI website: https://loom.ly/DU4_grc #EmployeeOwned #ESOP #USAF #AFGSC #TechnologyIntegration #Engineering

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Cribl: 🔍 How can federal agencies gain full visibility into their IT operations without drowning in telemetry data? From managing denied, degraded, intermittent, and low-bandwidth (DDIL) environments to tackling agent sprawl, Cribl Stream is built for the unique challenges of federal IT. With Cribl Stream, agencies can route, shape, and reduce data before it hits costly storage or SIEM tools—enhancing observability while staying mission-ready. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/er7yVR-q

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At what point during civil certification projects is a flying prototype needed? Are flying aircraft actually "needed" in order to establish requirements for certification? Several firms' press releases claim exactly that as they tout their prototype's being approved to fly (i.e., experimental airworthiness certificate). Some clarity here appears necessary. One of my favorite of the 7 Habits is "begin with the end in mind". So I've prepared this graphic to show -- in reverse order (top-down) -- some of the major steps leading to fielding a new aircraft that's used in airline-style operations. Notice that an experimental CofA (permission to fly prototype) is at the far lower left in this diagram (i.e., very, very early in the process). While it is possible that data from a prototype could be used in establishing means of compliance, that does not come from a few success-oriented demonstrations. Instead, they come from organized test programs (with FAA participation) which comprehensively cover off-nominal concerns in addition to nominal performance. A good example of reports from this type of research can be found here: https://lnkd.in/gXBh5xkk Even if a flying prototype is involved with a research project, the result would need to inform means of compliance issue paper(s). Issue papers can take years to conclude. Adding the flying research time only adds to the elapsed time prior to having an accepted certification plan. Afterward, another couple years may be required to conduct the certification project. Conclusion? Having a flying prototype doesn't facilitate the certain end of a certification project until the applicant and the FAA have agreed on what needs to be accomplished WITH that prototype. For that, an accepted certification plan is necessary. Monitoring news for cert plan acceptance by the FAA is far more relevant to tracking schedule progress than is a prototype's first flight. As a flight tester, this pains me to admit. But it's true.

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