Aviation Applied Technology Directorate, U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Attn: AMSAM-AR-TC, Building 401, Lee Blvd, Room 117, Fort Eustis, VA 23604-5577

A -- REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ROTORCRAFT INFRARED SIGNATURE MANAGEMENT DUE 021400 POC Mac Dinning, Project Engineer, (757) 878-5476 E-MAIL: AATD, mdinning@aatd.eustis.army.mil. The U.S. Army Aviation Applied Technology Directorate (AATD) is in the process of defining research and development projects for: (1) prototype turboshaft engine exhaust gas and hot metal suppression components which would produce operationally significant reduction in band I & IV infrared (IR) signatures, 50% reduction in engine performance penalty and 25% reduction in system weight relative to existing external T-700 engine IR suppressors; and (2) prototype lightweight thermal insulation system to control concentrated airframe thermal loads which would produce a 50% reduction in the areal density of an integrated insulation system designed to operate in a sustained 600 degree F environment relative to current state-of-the-art ceramic/fiber blanket systems. For the first project, the AATD is planning to explore compact, high-efficiency lobed nozzle/ejector concepts to significantly reduce plume and exhaust component temperatures, relying heavily on analytic screening of candidate concepts usingvalidated CFD tools. The project would include full-scale fabrication and engine testing. For the second project, the AATD is planning to expand its investigations of aerogel as a lightweight insulative material, and work toward improvements in component packaging efficiency. This is a request for information and U.S. industry feedback concerning our developing projects. The AATD is interested in obtaining feedback on the planned projects as well as information on alternate, innovative approaches and technologies to achieve the stated objectives. Information submitted should provide sufficient detail regarding technologies, approaches and capabilities for the Government to meaningfully assess credibility. Additionally, respondents should express their interest in performing a collaborative effort, e.g., a cooperative research and development agreement (without Government funding) or cooperative agreement or other transaction (with shared cost). Contractors may respond to either or both of the projects. This request for information is for purposes of exchanging information to improve understanding of the Government requirement and industry capability and is for information and planning. This announcement must not be construed as a commitment by the Government and any information submitted by industry will not constitute an offer which could be accepted by the Government to create a binding contract. THIS REQEUST IS LIMITED TO U.S. INDUSTRY ONLY AND DOES NOT AUTHORIZE GENERATION OF CLASSIFIED INFORMATION; HOWEVER, SUBSTANTIVE RESPONSES WILL LIKELY BE CLASSIFIED. ANY RESPONDENT WHOSE SUBMITTED INFORMATION WILL BE CLASSIFIED MUST REQUEST ISSUANCE OF A DD FORM 254. To be issued a DD Form 254, a respondent must have the requisite clearance and storage capability at the SECRET level. Written responses are requested by 14 Feb 2000; however, earlier dialog is encouraged. Address responses to Aviation Applied Technology Directorate, ATTN: AMSAM-RD-AA-I (Mac Dinning), Bldg 401, Lee Blvd, Ft Eustis, VA 23604-5577. Mr. Dinning may be reached by telephone at (757) 878-5476 or by email at mdinning@aatd.eustis.army.mil. Posted 01/06/00 (W-SN413836). (0006)

Loren Data Corp. http://www.ld.com (SYN# 0016 20000110\A-0016.SOL)