Key Issues Optical clocks Prototype funding SPAFORGEN
Check out some must-reads from this week's issue of Inside the Air Force:
1. The 2019 Missile Defense Review directs a dozen follow-on studies with implications to dramatically expand the $180 billion Ballistic Missile Defense System by potentially growing the land- and sea-based interceptor fleets, adding the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter into the missile defense sensor network, initiating a hypersonic defense program and expanding space-based capabilities.
Full story: MDR directs a dozen follow-on studies with potential to launch new starts
2. The Air Force has achieved critical design review for a major upgrade to the B-2 bomber's defensive management system.
Full story: B-2 bomber's DMS overhaul passes critical design review
3. The Defense Department has received final recommendations from a special advisory panel on intellectual property rights indicating the struggle between defense contractors and the Pentagon over ownership and access to technical data is far from over.
Full story: Pentagon's intellectual property debate with industry poised to continue
4. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency has narrowed a pool of potential competitors in its responsive launch challenge from 55 to 18 and plans to announce those companies by the end of February.
Full story: DARPA narrows pool for launch challenge, discusses future applications with DOD