Naval Air Warfare Center AD, Contracts Dept. Code 233, Bldg 129-2, Lakehurst, NJ 08733-5083.

A -- ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY LAUNCHER (ATL) (CATAPULT) SOL N68335-96-RFI-627 DUE 102396 POC Dianne Mount, Contracts Specialist Code 213DM, (908) 323-2903. This is a Request for Information (RFI) and Notice of Conference. There is no solicitation available at this time. The Government will not pay for any information received in response to the RFI, nor will the Government compensate any respondent for any cost incurred in developing the information provided to the Government. The Naval Air Systems Command is seeking information from potential sources who can design, develop, manufacture, integrate, test and support hardware and software leading to an advanced technology shipboard aircraft launcher (catapult) based on the current C-13 family of steam catapults. This Advanced Technology Launcher (ATL) will be capable of launching present and future Naval fixed wing aircraft from the deck of an aircraft carrier. The US Navy is presently pursuing design concepts for a new carrier, on which the ATL will be installed. Design drivers for the launcher are: reduced manning, reduced life cycle cost, improved operational availability, reduced size and weight, and independence from propulsion plant steam. The C-13 family of steam catapults does not satisfy any of these drivers, necessitating the ATL Program. The minimum requirements for the C-13 ATL are 70,000,000 ft-lbs of energy capability, 225,000 lbs thrust capability, end speeds between 55 and 180 knots, a peak to mean acceleration ratio not greater than 1.20 over a broad range of launch energies, a cycle time less than 60 seconds, and utilization of C-13-1 launch cylinders (18 inch) and associated components. The ATL Program will be conducted as a three phase acquisition program, including a Program Definition and Risk Reduction Phase, an Engineering and Manufacturing Development/Low Rate Initial Production Phase, and a Production/Deployment Phase. During the Program Definition and Risk Reduction Phase the Navy desires to build a full scale prototype system, integrate it with the C-13-0 test site at the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division Lakehurst, NJ and demonstrate threshold performance levels by April 2000. Follow on testing will be conducted with the objective of demonstrating enhanced performance levels by April 2001. If key performance issues have been successfully addressed, the program will be considered for transition to the Engineering and Manufacturing Development/Low Rate Initial Production Phase, which will result in a fully militarized system for technical and operational testing. The current inventory objective envisions an engineering reference catapult at Lakehurst, NJ and two to four catapults on CVX. Additional systems may be installed on current and future carriers. The Navy will host a meeting at the Naval Air Systems Command, 1421 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA 22243 on 23 October 1996 in Room 1224, Jefferson Plaza 2, at 0900 to discuss the program's goals and objectives, present information and background, and answer questions. We will present draft operational requirements, specifications, a generic statement of work, and a proposed acquisition strategy with the objective of soliciting inputs and recommendations toward the creation of a joint industry/Government developed solicitation. A specific agenda will be provided upon receipt of participant's request to attend. Responses to be addressed to the Naval Air Systems Command at the above address, Attention:Richard Bushway, PMA 251C., telephone (703) 604-3355 X8148, Internet BUSHWAYRR.NTRPRS@NAVAIR.NAVY.MIL. Security clearances must be on file at the NAVAIR Security Department (703-604-4053) to obtain access to Jefferson Plaza 2. (0270)

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