NASA Headquarters, Office of Mission to Planet Earth, Washington, DC 20546 Attn:YF/Sharon Welch

A -- REMOTELY PILOTED AIRCRAFT POC Sharon Welch tel: 202/358-1644 THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION! NASA Headquarter's Office of Mission to Planet Earth (MTPE) is reviewing new technologies which will enable mission requirements to be met at reduced cost. A review of the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) was conducted in 1995 by the Board on Sustainable Development of the National Academy of Sciences. In the review report, published in September 1995, it is recommended that ''to ensure scientific success, it is necessary to direct resources toward (1) expanding in-situ observation...and (2) developing advanced technology to reduce the costs of second- and third-generation missions and to open new scientific opportunities.'' One potential new technology which could provide a low cost alternative platform for remote sensing, as well as a new capability for in-situ measurements of the Earth's atmosphere, is the remotely piloted aircraft (RPA). NASA is currently assessing the state of RPA technology and determining how RPAs might be used to support the MTPE program. NASA requests industry input regarding design characteristics and flight performance data for RPAs which have been developed for either military or civilian applications. In addition, information is also sought regarding projected flight performance data and specifications of RPAs which are under development. NASA MAY DEVELOP A COMPETITIVE REQUIREMENT FROM APPROACHES PRESENTED, THEREFORE PROPRIETARY BUSINESS INFORMATION SHOULD NOT BE INCLUDED IN YOUR RESPONSES. NASA will be developing a data base of RPA performance characteristics to support a variety of MTPE missions. Specific technical information which would be useful includes: 1) aerodynamic design; 2) powerplant; 3) weight; 4) operating altitudes; 5) payload-endurance estimates; and 6) cruise speed. This RFI requests that industry provide an overview of RPA performance characteristics and manufacturing costs (order of magnitude). NASA is not looking for proposals; rather we are gathering information to assess the current and future ability of RPAs to support NASA's MTPE program. PLEASE NOTE -- NASA may incorporate information received into a competitive requirement. Proprietary business information should NOT be included. For additinal information contact Sharon Welch, (202/358-1644). Please send one copy of your response to Sharon Welch, NASA Headquarters, Code YF, 300 E Street, SW, Washington, DC 20546. Please send responses by October 25, 1995. (0279)

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