The INSIDER Daily Digest

The Small Diameter Bomb II program is facing another delay:

Air Force estimates new six-month delay for initial fielding of SDB II

The Air Force has reported a six-month delay of a key acquisition milestone for Raytheon's Small Diameter Bomb II, bumping the target date for declaring the first batch of SDB II ready for operations from July 2017 to January 2018, a shift that reflects -- in part -- knock-on effects of earlier development delays with the 250-pound, precision-guided weapon.

Headlines from the front page of today's Inside the Air Force:

F-35 propulsion experts focused on limiting ALIS schedule risks

A top concern for F135 engine experts as the Air Force initial operational capability deadline approaches next summer is making sure the next release of the Joint Strike Fighter program's logistics information system is delivered on time, program officials said this week.

Air Force begins acquisition analysis for intellectual property study

The Air Force office of transformational innovation is conducting discussions with industry about current gaps and future requirements for intellectual property, the results of which will inform a pilot program which the service plans to launch next spring.

Otto calls for combined pilot and sensor operator solution for RPAs

The Air Force's deputy chief of intelligence dismissed enlisted personnel as the panacea for the Air Force's stressed remotely piloted aircraft teams, instead calling for a one-seat ground control station that would take more humans out of the cockpit.

FAB-T approved for low-rate initial production after six-month delay

The Pentagon this week approved the Air Force's Family of Advanced Beyond Line of Site Terminal program for milestone C, following a six-month delay.

More earnings news:

L-3 Communications reports loss for the quarter

Defense contractor L-3 Communications reported Thursday that third-quarter sales fell 4 percent to hit $2.8 billion, and the company reported a loss of $299 million for the three-month period.

The Navy's top civilian wants more money for fleet experimentation:

Navy has green light to suggest new funding levels for fleet experimentation

Navy Secretary Ray Mabus, bemoaning the lack of "risk tolerance" in technological development, is directing the service to send him recommendations to increase funding for fleet experimentation in fiscal year 2016 and beyond, according to a recent memo.

Document: Navy memo on resources and opportunities for experimentation

More than one team is looking at the Remote Minehunting System:

Program office, contractor team examining Remote Minehunting System

NORFOLK, VA -- While an independent review board analyzes the Navy's Remote Minehunting System, a second team comprised of program officers, testers and contractors is also examining the system to see where improvements could be made, according to a service official.