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

17 -- LARGE AREA COMPOSITE INSPECTION SYSTEM SOL N68335-97-RFI-709 DUE 061697 POC Barbara Petrzilka Contract Specialist Code 25222AB, (908) 323-2067. THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ONLY. THERE IS NO SOLICITATION PACKAGE AVAILABLE. The Navy is requesting technical information on commercial systems for potential use in the large area nondestructive inspection of Navy aircraft materials. The system shall be capable of detecting surface and subsurface defects in these materials and shall present the data in the form of C-scan images. The system must be commercially available and must be suitable for industrial field use. Typical characteristics of a system should include the following: SIZE AND WEIGHT: Not defined. However the system must be portable (able to be setup and operated by one person) and commercially rugged for field use. In addition, the system must not require excessive time and labor to transport and setup. INSPECTION MODE: The primary inspection mode shall be ultrasonic, but the system may include more than one inspection mode and may use combinations of various modes at one time (i.e. eddy current, bond testing, etc.) MATERIALS TO BEINSPECTED: Various types of composite materials including graphite epoxy laminate, graphite epoxy bonded to aluminum honeycomb core, aluminum skin bonded to aluminum honeycomb core, graphite epoxy bonded to Nomex core, aluminum skin bonded to Nomex core, various types of flush and raised composite repair patches, areas around various types of flush and raised fasteners. INSPECTION MATERIAL THICKNESS: Up to 1 1/2 in. thickness for solid laminates and laminate skins, and up to 4 in. thickness for honeycomb cores. TYPICAL DEFECTS TO BE DETECTED: Delaminations, disbonds, damaged or crushed cores, porosity, corrosion (loss of material), surface cracks. RATE OF INSPECTION: The system scanner shall be able to inspect at a minimum rate of 20 linear inches per minute. RESOLUTION: The system shall be able to resolve a 1/4 in. defect in the materials listed above at the maximum thickness listed above. SCANNER TYPE: The scanner may be automated or manual. However, the scanner must not affect the surface condition of thematerial being inspected and must be able to inspect up to and around damaged areas of material, which may have uneven edges. In addition, the scanner must be able to inspect on curved surfaces such as the leading edges of aircraft wings. It is preferred that the scanner be able to inspect around flush and raised fasteners. OPERATING TEMPERATURE RANGE: 0 degrees F- 120 degrees F. DATA STORAGE: The system must be able to store image data for archiving and data transmission to other locations. The image data must be stored in a standard format to interface with commercially available graphics and word processing systems. DISPLAY: The system must have a display which is visible in various indoor and outdoor lighting conditions. NOTE: Any system to be considered for Navy use must be environmentally compliant and must be limited in the use of any hazardous materials (HAZMAT). Information is further requested regarding commercial warranties available, if any, and commercial terms applicable to the type of equipment available. The Government has previously requested information regarding this type of equipment as N68335-96-RFI-623. Firms who have already submitted information under the previous RFI need not resubmit; however, if additional information is available regarding the item, please submit the aditional information and note it as such. Please submit all information requested NO LATER THAN 13 JUNE 1997 to Ms. Barbara Petrzilka, Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (Code 25222AB129-2), Highway 547, Lakehurst, NJ 08733-5082, who may be reached at (908) 323-2067. Respondents are notified that a formal solicitation MAY NOT necessarily result from this RFI. Any comments provided may or may not be included in a formal solicitation. The Government WILL NOT PAY for any information received in response to this RFI nor will the Government compensate any respondent for any costs incurred in developing the information provided to the Government. The Government will not release any information marked with a Proprietarylegend, received in response to this RFI, to any firms, agencies, or individuals outside the Government without written permission in accordance with the legend. (0143)

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