USAF COIN RFI

[Penguin]

USAF officially launches light attack fighter comeback
By Stephen Trimble on July 31, 2009 1:32 PM

http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/the-d ... light.html

The US Air Force has issued a request for information to identify sources that can supply 100 new fighters to perform light attack and armed reconnaissance roles.

Air Combat Command released a request for information on July 27 that calls for first aircraft deliveries to start in Fiscal 2012 and the first operational squadron to activate a year later.

The requirements call for a two-seat turboprop capable of flying up to 30,000ft and equipped with zero-altitude/zero-airspeed ejection seats, full motion video camera, data link, infrared suppressor, radar warning receiver and armored cockpit. Weapons must include a gun, two 500-lb bombs, 2.75-inch rockets and rail-launched munitions.

The known for competitors for the requirement include the Air Tractor AT-802U, Embraer Super Tucano, Hawker Beechcraft AT-6B Texan II and Pilatus PC-9.

Michel Merluzeau, managing partner at G2 Global Solutions, wrote earlier this week new demand for counter-insurgency (COIN) aircraft could revive interest in the Piper PA-48 Enforcer (pictured above). The PA-48 is an updated version of the World War II-era North American P-51 Mustang, which the USAF evaluated in the early 1970s for a possible COIN role. One potential issue is the PA-48 would not meet the USAF's requirement for a two-seat fighter.

The light attack/armed reconnaissance fleet, if finally approved, would join a growing COIN air force within an air force. The USAF has already purchased 37 Hawker Beechcraft MC-12Ws to serve as manned intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft, filling a role previously served almost exclusively by unmanned aircraft systems.

The USAF also released another RFI earlier this week for as many as 60 light mobility aircraft (LiMA) to airlift up to six passengers or small loads of cargo from austere or unimproved surfaces.

[Sterrius]

acho melhor nao criar espectativa até vermos o favoritismo dos aviões nacionais deles.

È fato que qualquer avião made in EUA la tera um favoritismo absurdo. E que o supertucano tera que suar muito pra superar isso. Por melhor que ele seja.

[Penguin]

Provavelmente a Embraer terá que se associar a uma empresa americana.

[tykuna]

Provavelmente a Embraer terá que se associar a uma empresa americana.

e aquela fábrica que a Embraer fez por lá, morreu?!

[caixeiro]

Provavelmente a Embraer terá que se associar a uma empresa americana.

e aquela fábrica que a Embraer fez por lá, morreu?!

Nao esta la na Florida, como indica o Slide..




Mais esse RFI contra diz tudo que ja li ate agora sobre o assunto, os homens da USNAVY sempre deixaram claro que iriam alugar de terceiros os avioes e nunca comprar agora a USAF aparece querendo comprar.

Vomos ver para onde isso vai.

Abracos Elcio Caixeiro

Imminent Fury (Clarification)



It has come to my attention that I might not have accurately reported the method by which the Navy intends to obtain its aircraft under the Imminent Fury program.

According to two sources involved with the program, the intent has always been to lease the aircraft from a third party rather than purchase them. I understand that my article caused quite a stir in the halls of the Capitol based on this misunderstanding.

As far as I'm concerned, the SEALs need this plane, the nation needs this capability and no matter how the darned things are paid for, just make it happen!

PS -- And another quick point of clarification: My main source never mentioned the "training" aspect of the Imminent Fury program, though I'm sure he knew that was an added benefit. So when I said "which is slightly different from what my sources told me about the origins and goal of the program" what I meant was that my sources left me with the distinct impression that this plane was offensive/defensive in nature, not being leased for training native air services.

-- Christian

[Penguin]

O Super Tucano da Blackwater/USN deve ter sido utilizado para validação e testar o conceito.
Esse RFI pode ter sido feito tendo ele como referência, até pq é o único testado e em operação nessa categoria.

Swap FX-2 vs COIN? A Boeing como parceira?

Aguardar desdobramentos.

[]s

[soultrain]

Calma é só um RFI (request for information), ainda é uma avaliação, nem sequer existem fundos para essa compra, ainda.

[Palpiteiro]

O Super-Tucano atende 100% dos requisitos do RFI. Necessitará apenas integrar o terceiro rádio, o data-link e o Missile Approach Warning System (MAWS).

[Sideshow]

Swap FX-2 vs COIN? A Boeing como parceira?

Que eu saiba a Boeing está oferecendo um Bronco modernizadado.

[Penguin]

O RFI:


Capability Request for Information (CRFI)

Air Combat Command (ACC) Light Attack/Armed Reconnaissance (LAAR)

1.0 General Introduction
The Aeronautical Systems Center (ASC) Capabilities Integration Directorate is conducting market research analyses in support of the acquisition of a fixed-wing aircraft Light Attack/Armed Reconnaissance (LAAR) capability. ASC is issuing this CRFI to explore cost-effective acquisition options to provide this capability starting in FY12. THIS IS A CAPABILITY REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ONLY. This CRFI solicits information from Department of Defense (DoD), other government agencies, US and/or foreign companies who are able to provide full or partial materiel solutions which may involve design, development, prototype(s), developmental and operational testing, and production of end items to offer solutions or added capabilities for LAAR operations. This CRFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes. It does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue an RFP in the future. This CRFI does not commit the Government to contract for any supply or service whatsoever. Further, ASC is not at this time seeking proposals, and will not accept unsolicited proposals. Responders are advised that the U.S. Government will not pay for any information or administrative cost incurred in response to this CRFI. Please be advised that all submissions become Government property and will not be returned. All costs associated with responding to this CRFI will be solely at the responding party’s expense. Not responding to this CRFI does not preclude participation in any future RFP, if any is issued. Small Businesses are encouraged to provide responses to this CRFI in order to assist ASC in determining potential levels of competition available in the industry, as well as helping to establish a basis for developing any subsequent potential subcontract plan goal percentages. In accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 15.201(e), responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the U.S. Government to form a binding contract. It is the responsibility of the interested parties to monitor these sites for additional information pertaining to this CRFI. Responders are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this inquiry. This announcement is not to be construed as a formal solicitation. It does not commit the government to reply to information received, or to later publish a solicitation, or to award a contract based on this information. All products must comply with the Buy American Act.

2.0 Proprietary Materials Protection
This notice is part of Government Market Research, a continuous process for obtaining the latest information from industry with respect to their current and near-term abilities to support an acquisition of this magnitude. The information collected may be used by the Government to explore acquisition options and strategies for the possible approaches within the military. All information received in response to this CRFI that is properly marked as “proprietary” will be handled accordingly. Proprietary information must be clearly marked on the outside container and on the materials inside. The Government shall not be liable for, or suffer any consequential damages, for any proprietary information not properly identified.
CRFI responses which contain information that is marked as proprietary will be protected as proprietary information. Such information will be reviewed by a team comprised of Government as well as contractor personnel hired to provide technical assistance for the Government’s preparation of an acquisition strategy. All members of the team will be reminded of their obligation to protect such information to the maximum extent permitted or required by the Economic Espionage Act, 18 U.S.C. 1831 et seq., and other applicable statutes or regulations. In addition, Government members will be reminded of their obligations to afford protection under the Trade Secrets Act, 18 U.S.C. 1905. All contractor members are required to protect the information by the terms of their contracts. The Government has also determined that the contractor personnel have no organizational conflicts of interest that could adversely affect protection of the information.

3.0 Description
ASC is seeking information to determine the most cost-effective acquisition strategy to fulfill the need for 100 LAAR fixed-wing aircraft with deliveries starting in FY12 and an Initial Operational Capability (IOC) in FY13. All proposed systems will be USAF Military certified and flown by military pilots. Existing ACC facilities will be used for aircraft storage and maintenance and USAF organic Organizational-level maintenance will be established by IOC date of FY13. Depot level maintenance will be contractor provided.
LAAR operations will integrate with traditional Command and Control (C2) concepts and organizations and existing joint Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTPs). Mission planning will require access to theater air tasking order (ATO) and airspace control order (ACO) dissemination networks. LAAR may be tasked as part of a joint team and will require communication capabilities to coordinate with supported and/or supporting units. LAAR platforms will employ a modular structure capable of interfacing with multiple weapons and sensors to tailor configuration to tasking and having robust, integrated sensors used to find, fix, track, and target within a single asset. For LAAR platforms, aerial gunnery and precision weapons will provide the ability to engage targets quickly, thus reducing the sensor-to-shooter timeline. LAAR platforms will have the ability to coordinate fires directly with supported ground units through voice, video, and datalinks with other assets to create synergies and minimize fratricide.

4.0 Requested Information

4.1 Written Responses
Responses must address the following overall characteristics / constraints.
(Detailed requirements for the aircraft can be found in Annex 1.)
• General aircraft characteristics and dimensions, features and equipment fit
• Number of months after contract award for delivery of one (1), four (4), and twelve (12) aircraft
• Current certifications and any planned testing and certification schedules, including sensors and munitions certifications to include “G” loading specifications with combat loads, if known
• How production quantities / lot buys could be structured for all 100 aircraft to be delivered within two years (desired) to four years (maximum) from delivery of first aircraft. Describe planned long lead time items with schedule and costs for meeting above production schedules
• Aircraft unit cost (dollars), total procurement cost of all aircraft, and typical operating cost
• Projected airframe lifetime flying hours (flying hours per aircraft per year assumptions for this projection are provided in Annex 1)
• Maintenance hours per flight hour
• Cost of any additional required equipment (avionics, etc.) needed onboard the aircraft in order to meet the aircraft requirements listed in Annex 1
• Projected maintenance infrastructure – processes, procedures, spares and rough order of magnitude (ROM) costs to support:
o Organizational level (O-level) Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) in place 3 months before 1st aircraft delivery
o On-site 12 month CLS, transitioning to USAF organic O-level maintenance
o Spare Parts package commensurate with OPTEMPO
o Airworthiness Authority approved facility
Plan for Contractor provided Depot Level Maintenance
• Projected training infrastructure – processes, procedures, throughput and ROM costs to support:
o Training thirty (30) Maintainers for O-level maintenance
o Maintenance Program of Instruction
o Personal computer (PC)-based flight simulators (12 licenses)
o Pilot Qualification Course, with planned 35 flights per student
o Pilot Ground Based Training System to support flight and simulator training
o Advanced ground based simulator
• If proposed aircraft does not meet any of the requirements in Annex 1, please provide plans, including schedules, for compliance to include any additional testing or certifications required.
• If available, provide a pilot operating handbook (POH) and certified / approved airplane flight manual for the aircraft as part of the CRFI response package. The handbook and/or the flight manual do not count toward the page count limits for Section Two detailed below.
• Provide performance and fuel usage data (where applicable) for takeoff, climb, cruise, endurance, landing, rate of climb, and climb speed up to 30,000 feet pressure altitude at standard day and non-standard day temperatures for varying aircraft weights from empty weight up to maximum takeoff gross weight for various payloads. This data does not count toward the page count limits for Section Two detailed below.

4.2 CRFI Response Section Composition
Request CRFI responses be comprised of two (2) sections. Please limit your responses to a page count of 5 pages or less for Section One and 25 pages or less for Section Two.
4.2.1 CRFI Response Section One
Provide administrative information in Section One of your response in a Microsoft Word compatible document. Address at least the following in Section One:
• Company name
• Point of contact (POC) name
• Mailing address
• Overnight delivery address (if different from mailing address)
• Phone number
• Fax number
• E -mail address of POC
• Please provide a statement that the respondent will allow or will not allow the Government to release proprietary data to the Government support contractors identified.
• Companies will provide plan(s) for complying with the Buy American Act.



4.2.2 CRFI Response Section Two
Provide the information requested in paragraph 4.1 above in Section Two of your response. Please provide responses in Microsoft Word compatible documents, Microsoft PowerPoint compatible presentations, Adobe pdf files, Microsoft Excel compatible Spreadsheets, or any combination thereof.

Submit responses in both electronic (soft) and printed (hard) copy form. Submit electronic copies via e-mail to charles.vanderberg@wpafb.af.mil not later than 28 August 2009. Title e-mail responses in the subject line of the e-mail as follows: “Response to LAAR CRFI”.

Additionally, provide two printed (hard) copies of each response either by mail or hand delivery to ASC/XRS, 2145 Monahan Way, Bldg 16, Room 053, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio 45433-7209 not later than 28 August 2009.

Questions
Responses from U.S. and non-U.S. firms will be accepted to this LAAR CRFI. Responses to questions from interested parties will be promptly answered and posted on this FedBizOps (FBO) website, unless some release of proprietary information is involved or the answer addresses a question peculiar to a Company or that Company’s response. Post submittal, one-on-one information sessions with respondents are not contemplated; however, they may be offered to responders to clarify the government’s understanding of their submittal, the capability ramifications, or to discuss their business approach. Information feedback sessions may be offered to respondents after the CRFI assessments are completed.

Technical point of contact is Mr. Charles Vanderberg, ASC/XRS, Bldg 16, (937) 904-4439. This notice may be updated as additional information becomes available. For more information on "Light Attack/Armed Reconnaissance (LAAR),” please contact the AF POCs using the email addresses listed below.

AF Points of Contact (POC) for LAAR CRFI:
Beth Eberhart, Contracting Officer, 937-255-7784
elizabeth.eberhart@wpafb.af.mil
Charles Vanderberg, Program Manager, 937-904-4439
charles.vanderberg@wpafb.af.mil

Verbal questions will NOT be accepted. All questions will be answered via posting answers to this FBO website; except as provided above. Additionally, questions must NOT contain trade secrets or classified information. The Government reserves the right to not address questions received after 28 August 2009.




Summary
THIS IS A CAPABILITY REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (CRFI) ONLY to identify sources and acquisition options to acquire 100 aircraft in support of a light attack and armed reconnaissance capability. The information provided in the CRFI is subject to change and is not binding on the Government. ASC has not made a commitment to procure any of the items discussed, and release of this CRFI should not be construed as such a commitment or as authorization to incur cost for which reimbursement would be required or sought. All submissions become Government property and will not be returned.


ANNEX 1
LAAR AIRCRAFT REQUIREMENTS


A. Critical Requirements: Fixed-wing aircraft must meet all of the requirements listed below:

1. Properly certified for day/night visual flight rules/instrument flight rules (VFR/IFR) operations.

2. Properly certified to meet acquisition requirements and allow for U.S. Military operation. Systems/capability must meet U.S. government releasability / exportability requirements.

3. Aircraft must support a 450 flight hours per platform, per year, operations tempo with an aircraft availability rate of ninety percent (90%) Mission Capable (MC) for completion of day and night missions under Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC). Platforms must be capable of sustaining an eighty percent (80%) Fully Mission Capable (FMC) rate for the completion of missions under Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC), in the environmental conditions expected in Partner Nations (PN) Theatre of Operations (i.e. up to 50-degrees Celsius).

4. Capable of conducting operations from semi-prepared surfaces (dirt, grass, gravel, etc.).

5. Capable of operating from an austere, forward operating base without any ground support other than fuel being available for re-fueling operations.

6. Powerplant(s) capable of burning JP-8 or Jet-A fuel.

7. Dual, tandem seat with dual controls to facilitate dual use as light attack/armed reconnaissance as well as an advanced trainer. Configuration should be similar to allow full control, to include conducting instrument approaches and landings, from either cockpit for both pilots.

8. Zero altitude-zero airspeed ejection seats.

9. Common multi-function display (MFD) cockpit configuration for all aircraft to include Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) and Vertical Navigation-certified Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation capability to allow day/night, all-weather instrument flight, especially into airfields which do not possess navigational aids.

10. Flight visibility: Aircraft must allow a full 270 horizontal degree field of view from the front cockpit field centered on the nose of the aircraft. Minimal obstructions permitted, i.e. window frames, canopy rails, low wing, heads-up display (HUD).

11. Front cockpit must have a HUD with an air-to-ground system capable of computing and displaying the continuously computed impact point (CCIP), continuously computed release point (CCRP), strafe, and manual weapon aiming computation/release.

12. Must have a defensive measures package to include a radar warning receiver (RWR), missile approach warning system (MAWS), and chaff and flare dispensers.

13. Armored cockpits and engine compartment to protect from small arms fire. Self-sealing fuel tanks required.

14. Night Vision Goggle (NVG) compatible cockpits, including lighting and instrumentation.

15. Air conditioning system capable of cooling the aircraft cockpit and avionics within operational limits for outside temperatures up to 50 degrees Celsius to include solar gain.

16. On-board oxygen generating system (OBOGS).

17. Flight duration: Aircraft, equipped with external fuel tanks and a common design payload, must fly 5.0 hour sorties plus 30 minutes fuel reserves. Aircraft must have a 900 nautical mile (NM) self-deployment ferry range.

18. Avionics: IFR capable. Dual Comm with single Nav/ Hobbs meter/ Mode C reporting transponder, Global Positioning System (GPS), audio panel and integral intercom meeting US Military Standard (Mil Std) (compatible with USAF-standard headsets and/or helmets). Must be Instrument Landing System (ILS), Very High Frequency (VHF) Omnidirectional Range (VOR)/Distance Measuring Equipment (DME), and/or GPS approach compatible.

19. Communications suite shall consist of internal crew intercom and the ability to communicate to Air Traffic Control (ATC) facilities and operational agencies, both line of sight (LOS) and beyond line of sight (BLOS) via voice on: Civil/ Military VHF Voice, Military Ultra High Frequency (UHF) and Voice Civil UHF. Able to transmit/receive simultaneously on three (3) radios. The voice communications system shall have the capability to be upgraded to accommodate secure voice communications.

20. Accommodate pilots 64 inches – 77 inches tall and sitting heights of 34 inches – 40 inches.

21. Aircraft flight controls: All aircraft flight and fuel controls, and critical/essential circuit breakers must be accessible from front cockpit, with seat belts/shoulder harnesses fastened.

22. Instrumentation: All aircraft controls and instruments within each cockpit must be visible and accessible from the seat, with seat belts/shoulder harnesses fastened.

23. Data link ability to provide future capability (LOS required, BLOS desired). Transmit and receive real-time, full-motion video and still imagery. Video downlink capability compatible with Remote Operations Video Enhanced Receiver (ROVER). Variable message format (VMF) digital communications capability compatible with the ground forward air control / joint terminal attack control (FAC/JTAC) systems

24. Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) subsystems
a. The desired ISR sensor suite should be capable of providing electro-optical and infrared full motion video and photographs.
b. Capable of laser designation, laser marking, laser spot tracking, and self-derivation of accurate coordinates.
c. Capable of allowing post flight download data link as described above.

25. The aircraft must be capable of employing a variety of air-to-ground weapons and munitions, up to an employment altitude of 10,000 feet AGL, including aerial gunnery, unguided free-fall munitions, precision munitions and battlefield illumination devices. The aircraft must have override capability to disable weapons delivery authority from either cockpit. The aircraft must be capable, but not limited, to the following:

a. At least four weapons stations, two of which may be used for external fuel.
b. Carry a minimum of two 500-pound class munitions
c. Must have a laser designator to employ laser-guided weapons.
d. Must have the capability to generate coordinates with onboard sensors
e. Capability to employ aerial gunnery
f. Capability to employ 2.75 inch rockets
g. Capability to employ rail launched munitions
h. Capability to employ overt and covert air-dropped flares (illumination rounds)
i. Weapons interface databus to integrate current applicable weapons United States DoD inventory






B. Aircraft desired requirements

1. Infrared (IR) suppression for engine(s)

2. Anti-ice/de-ice system to allow flight in moderate icing conditions

3. Sufficient dust and sand filters to be capable of conducting desert environment operations

4. Aircraft is to have a 30,000 feet operational altitude.

5. Takeoff within 6000 feet of available runway and meet a 200 ft/nm climb gradient at pressure altitudes up to 6000 feet and temperatures up to 40 degrees Celsius with a common design payload at a typical mission weight.

6. Land within 6000 feet of available runway at pressure altitudes up to 6000’ feet and temperatures up to 40 degrees Celsius with a common design payload and the maximum landing weight for the aircraft.

7. Continuous cruise speed: 180 Knots True Air Speed (KTAS) (minimum) at 10,000 feet density altitude on a standard day and full fuel minus that fuel required to taxi out, take off, and climb to 10,000 feet above ground level (AGL) from sea level with a common design payload and configuration.

8. Aerobatic capable of performing the following maneuvers with clean configuration (no stores): aileron roll, barrel roll, chandelle, cloverleaf, Cuban eight, Immelman turn, lazy eight, loop, and split-S.

9. To allow for a shorter logistics trail, all aircraft should be configured to be readily available for use as either a two-seat advanced trainer or a two-seat attack/armed reconnaissance platform with no field level conversion necessary other than loading munitions or stores (see item number A.25 above for munitions/stores).

[WalterGaudério]

O Super-Tucano atende 100% dos requisitos do RFI. Necessitará apenas integrar o terceiro rádio, o data-link e o Missile Approach Warning System (MAWS).

Será que desta vez a EMBRAER leva tudo?

[benjamim]

ESSA CONCORRÊNCIA É NOSSA OS AMERICANOS FICARAM EMPRESSIONADOS COM A CAPACIDADE DO SUPER TUCANO.

[WalterGaudério]

ESSA CONCORRÊNCIA É NOSSA OS AMERICANOS FICARAM EMPRESSIONADOS COM A CAPACIDADE DO SUPER TUCANO.

É claro que espero por isso, mas essa história de até a boeing estar de olho na coisa com uma versão repaginada do OV-10 é para botar as barbas de molho.

[Bourne]

ESSA CONCORRÊNCIA É NOSSA OS AMERICANOS FICARAM EMPRESSIONADOS COM A CAPACIDADE DO SUPER TUCANO.

É claro que espero por isso, mas essa história de até a boeing estar de olho na coisa com uma versão repaginada do OV-10 é para botar as barbas de molho.

Pode ser a Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, etc... O importante é te rum parceiro forte e sedutor.

Os aviões devem acabar sendo montados lá. Mas para a EMBRAER venda é venda.

[GDA_Fear]

Os caras ficaram de queixo caído com o Super Tucano.
É nóis....