Inside the Navy highlights

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

1. The Navy has locked in new design changes for the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet to give the twin-engine fighter improved situational awareness, increased survivability and extended range -- upgrades that allow the fourth-generation weapon system to keep pace with next-generation F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft.

Full story: Design allows Super Hornet Block III ability to keep pace with F-35

2. ST. LOUIS -- After years of development, Boeing unveiled its prototype for the Navy's MQ-25 Stingray unmanned tanker competition and revealed the air vehicle uses the same engine as the RQ-4 Global Hawk and MQ-4C Triton.

Full story: Boeing unveils MQ-25 prototype, teams with Rolls Royce for engine

3. The Advanced Arresting Gear program -- a new technology critical to the Navy's next-generation aircraft carrier -- will cost 10 percent more than expected to develop and deliver to the fleet.

Full story: Navy reports cost growth in AAG program, new $2.2B target reflects CAPE estimate

4. The Pentagon will establish service-run program offices for the Joint Strike Fighter -- a departure from the current construct, which centralizes all F-35 program management within one office that reports to the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Inside the Navy has learned.

Full story: Pentagon shakes up F-35 management structure