Inside the Air Force highlights

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

1. The Air Force is aiming to demonstrate aircraft teaming software within the next five years, and is looking at long-term ideas that can shape operating concepts 10 and 20 years down the road.

Full story: Loyal Wingman network may begin off-the-shelf, evolve as software updates

2. Industry says the Air Force is leaning toward a "true next-generation" intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platform to replace the U-2 rather than a less-penetrable "stepping stone," as the service eyes multiple analyses of alternatives in the near future.

Full story: Air Force aiming for at least one ISR analysis of alternatives in short term

3. The Air Force may build on its existing contract for red air support at Nellis Air Force Base, NV, and could grow the capability to include other locations as it works on a long-term solution for more adversary air capacity.

Full story: Air Force considering near-term boost in adversary training capability

4. None of the companies interested in offering a replacement helicopter for the UH-1N Huey are currently able to put forth a product that meets all of the Air Force's requirements, a service spokeswoman confirmed to Inside the Air Force this week.

Full story: Air Force: All Huey competitors have mature designs; none meet baseline