REPLACEMENT OF C-9 ASSEMBLY

Notice Date

November 29, 2000

Contracting Office

311 HSC/YACL; 7909 Lindbergh Dr, Bldg 578; Brooks AFB, TX 78235-5352

ZIP Code

78235-5352

E-Mail Address

Send E-Mail to the POC (stephen.kelly@brooks.af.mil)

Description

The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to identify industry ability to replace the existing parachute assembly (C-9) used in the Advanced Concept Ejection Seat (ACES II) with the latest parachute technology. Without any crewmember initiation, the proposed new parachute system must maintain or reduce oscillation and maintain or improve steering capabilities that the C-9 currently has with the USAF Four-Line Assembly. The intent is to have a parachute system that would automatically have at least as much stability as the four-line release system, have the option for manual or automatic steering, and get the crewmember to the ground as fast as possible without injury (i.e. variable descent rate). Some of the critical attributes include 1) reduce oscillations and enhanced steering capabilities; 2) Decreasing opening loads; 3) A stable parachute platform for bot incapacitated and conscious crewmembers; 4) Reduced volume parachute packing with environmental sealing to decrease or eliminate repack/inspection cycles; 5) Decreased cost of ownership through changes in service life limits; 6) Damage tolerance; and 7) Decrease vertical velocity for 325 pound suspended load. The enhanced parachute canopy or parachute assembly must integrate into the ACES II seat without any safety degradation. For example, descent rates and opening loads must not increase, and opening times/profiles must be maintained. The enhanced canopy or parachute assembly will be used in all fighter, bomber, and attack aircraft that utilize ACES II ejection seats. The enhanced parachute canopy or parachute assembly must be integrated into the ACES II, which is qualified from 0-50,0000 feet in an ejection envelope of 0-600 KEAS (knots equivalent air speed) or opening speeds up to 300 KEAS, for a non-gender specific aircrew population of 103 -- 245 pounds (nude weight), and 5.0 -- 6.5 feet in height. More precise anthropomorphic characteristics will be included in any resultant (RFP), if issued. The enhanced parachute canopy or parachute assembly must operate within the different speed, altitude, and attitude ejection seat modes. Furthermore, the enhanced parachute canopy or parachute assembly must integrate with current USAF head boxes, inertia reels, harnesses, survival vests, automatic and manual canopy releases, life preservers, etc. The oscillation reduction and steering capabilities of this enhanced parachute canopy or parachute assembly will provide a more stable and safer platform for our crewmembers with the objective of mitigating parachute-landing-fall injuries. Injury mitigation is defined as a technology which, when applied, will significantly lessen the ejectee's likelihood of sustaining injuries to the feet, ankles, knees, and other torso areas due to an unstable parachute-landing-fall. Even should the technology be available, as ascertained by the Government as a result of responses from interested parties to this RFI, a follow-on Request for Proposal (RFP) may or may not be issued. Currently, no funding is available for this initiative. Accordingly, be advised that this is not a RFP and in no way obligates the Government in any resultant award of any contract. The Government will not compensate any interested party, firm, or individual that may choose to provide a response to this RFI. Responses to this RFI should comment on the feasibility of this proposed modification and outline a technical approach to satisfy the above requirements. All responses should be emailed to john.jacobson@brooks.af.mil by 30 November 2000. Point of contact is Steve Kelly, Contracting Officer (210) 536-4538 (stephen.kelly@brooks.af.mil) or Mike Deaton, Supervisory Contracting Officer (210)536-4728 (michael.deaton@brooks.af.mil), 311 HSW/YACL, 7909 Lindbergh Drive, Brooks AFB TX 78235. Our fax number is (210) 536-8531.

Record

Loren Data Corp. 20001201/SPMSC008.HTM (D-334 SN5076E7)