U.S. Army Materiel Command, Natick Contracting Division, Attn: AMSSB-ACN, Natick, MA 01760-5011

16 -- C17 DUAL ROW AIRDROP SYSTEM (DRAS) SOL W13G07-CBDDW-0001 POC Ms. Diane M. Wood (508) 233-5195 E-MAIL: click here to contact Ms. Diane Wood, dwood@natick-amed02.army.mil. The US Army SBCCOM/PM-SOLDIER SUPPORT is conducting market research for a Dual Row Airdrop System for the C-17 cargo aircraft (DRAS). We are seeking sources, technical information, and estimated pricing and warranty/support data for current products, which will meet the requirements for the DRAS. The DRAS maximizes the airdrop capacity of the C-17 by permitting airdrop use of the aircraft's dual 463L logistic row system (side by side) verses the single row system currently in use, thus maximizing its cargo potential for airdrop by delivering loads either sequentially (threshold) or simultaneously (objective) from two rows. Existing 108-inch type V airdrop platforms do not interface with the C-17 dual 88-inch logistics rails. The C-17 DRAS must be fully compatible with the C-17 cargo aircraft and it's dual logistics rail system. The DRAS must be able to gravity airdrop loads with a minimum weight of 3500 pounds and loads as large in cube as 88 inches X 88 inches X 192 inches (loaded HMMWV) with a riggedplatform weight capability of 14,500 pounds. Dropped loads must be mission capable upon landing. The DRAS must provide >0.92 probability of delivering a survivable load. The DRAS must not permit load impact velocities that exceed 28 feet per second. The system must be capable of delivering fully mission capable loads in 17-knot surface winds with a parachute release. The C-17 DRAS must be capable of operations at threshold airdrop altitude of 1200 feet with an objective altitude of 750 feet. The DRAS must be capable of gravity airdrop at conventional airspeeds of 130-150 knots. The DRAS platform must be reusable 12 (threshold) to 25 (objective) times. Standard airdrop components must be used whenever possible and the system must use current configurations of energy dissipation material with little or no adaptation. The system must be maintainable and supportable by the Army logistics system at the organizational and direct support level. Special tools must be kept to a minimum. The DRAS must use 8, 12, and 16-foot platforms, and the platform must be slingloadable or forkliftable using a 10K forklift. Each platform must provide appropriate attachment points for in-flight emergency restraint and platform load restraint. The system must be compatible with standard combat off-load procedures for existing type V platform loads. Packing, rigging and de-rigging times (including aircraft rigging requirements) must be consistent with current comparable platform loads. The DRAS must be capable of storage and operation in hot, basic or cold climates. All interested firms, regardless of size are encouraged to respond to this request for information. Responses may be sent via e-mail to dwood@natick-amed02.army.mil or via regular mail to US Army SBCCOM/Soldier System Center ATTN: Ms. Diane M. Wood, AMSSB-RCF-A(N), Natick, MA 01760, TELEPHONE (508)233-5195, fax (508)233-4054. This market survey is for information and planning purposes only. This is not an invitation for Bid (IFB) or a Request for Proposal (RFP) and is not to be taken as a commitment by SBCCOM. See Note 25. Posted 05/19/99 (W-SN333443). (0139)

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