Inside the Air Force highlights

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

1. The recapitalization effort for the Air Force's nuclear convoy helicopters would cost $1.4 billion, Air Force officials confirmed Wednesday.

Full story: Huey replacement program could cost $1.4 billion for 41 helicopters

2. As the Air Force continues to develop a security plan for information related to the B-21 Long-Range Strike Bomber, some lawmakers and defense analysts are skeptical of the service's claims that releasing the B-21 contract value could cause potential adversaries to learn key information about the highly veiled system's capabilities.

Full story: Lawmakers, analysts skeptical of USAF lack of B-21 cost disclosure

3. Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman John McCain (R-AZ) wants Defense Secretary Ash Carter to investigate comments made by a former executive from the United Launch Alliance, who resigned this week after making controversial statements implying the government had gone out of its way to favor ULA over its competitor SpaceX.

Full story: McCain wants Carter to investigate 'disturbing comments' from ULA exec

4. The Air Force will sole-source sensor suite modifications for the Block 30 Global Hawk to Raytheon, according to a justification posted to Federal Business Opportunities on March 3.

Full story: Air Force plans to sole-source Global Hawk sensor retrofits to Raytheon