Inside the Navy highlights

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

1. The Navy's multibillion-dollar Air and Missile Defense Radar program is now realigning testing activities due to a schedule slip in construction plans of the lead ship that will host the powerful, next-generation radar system: the new Flight III variant of the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer.

Full story: Navy realigns AMDR testing plan to synch with DDG-51 Flight III delay

2. The Navy is embarking on a technology development effort using autonomy to bolster the survivability of large and extra-large underwater vehicles.

Full story: Navy pursues UUV survivability technology development effort

3. Congressional auditors believe the $128 billion cost estimate to develop and build the new Columbia-class submarine fleet is "optimistic" and that program costs are likely to exceed requested funding, despite the Pentagon's adoption last year of the higher of two independently prepared cost estimates.

Full story: GAO report calls Columbia-class program costs 'optimistic'

4. BAE Systems will use its own funding to manufacture the next-generation amphibious vehicle before the Marine Corps issues a contract award in June, while competitor Science Applications International Corp. is now in the midst of production planning.

Full story: BAE will use company funding to produce initial production vehicles