Inside the Air Force highlights

Some must-reads from this week's issue of Inside the Air Force:

1. A series of demonstrations this month at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada could pave the way for a new technology meant to vastly improve the quality of the service's training for fourth- and fifth-generation aircraft.

Full story: AFRL to begin key LVC technology demo later this month

2. House appropriators are pushing back on the Air Force's request to buy 29 MQ-9 Reapers in fiscal year 2019, arguing the service's procurement plans don't properly address its future aircraft needs.

Full story: House lawmakers urge Air Force to rethink Reaper procurement plan

3. House appropriators are offering an additional $194 million in their version of the fiscal year 2019 defense spending bill to accelerate the Air Force's move to a new Compass Call platform.

Full story: P&W wants to cut F135 sustainment cost in half, DOD hones in on life-cycle cost

4. The president of Pratt & Whitney's military engine group said this week the company is working to cut the cost to fly the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter's propulsion system in half over the next 10 years, telling reporters sustainment is a top priority for the engine manufacturer.

Full story: P&W wants to cut F135 sustainment cost in half, DOD hones in on life-cycle cost