U.S. Army Aviation and Troop Command, 4300 Goodfellow Blvd St. Louis, MO

A -- EARLY PRODUCTION AND FIELDING (EPAF) SOL DAAJ09-97-R-0212 DUE 042197 POC David O. Garner, Contract Specialist, 314.263.3154 Margaret K. Herring, Contracting Officer, 314.263.2610. The U.S. Army and the Army National Guard (ARNG) proposes through a joint initiative to award an estimated five million dollar ($5M) contract, with fixed price features, for a new technology engine system,including flight test support, to be installed in two (2) UH-1H aircraft for flight test evaluation by the U.S. Army Aviation Technical Test Center (ATTC). The effort will investigate the insertion of the engine system as a replacement for the current T53-L-13 engine for the ARNG battalions assigned the Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) mission. The installation and subsequent flight test and evaluation, will provide the ARNG an Air Worthiness Release (AWR) adequate for aircraft operation by the ARNG. The anticipated period of performance for this contract, to include modification and flight testing of the engine system, is twenty-seven (27) months beginning June 1997. First flight will be no later than the end of fiscal year (FY)98. The Government seeks an engine system that assures highly safe flight operations for this effort within the UH-1H aircraft flight and structural envelope. Collateral benefits and savings to the RAH-66 Comanche Helicopter Program will be a major consideration in the analysis under this contract including future potential reuse capabilities. The basic UH-1H aircraft configuration will be utilized as the flight vehicle. The current UH-1H aircraft flight envelope, performance, and structural limitations will be maintained, as well as aircraft safety margins. In addition, the UH-1H aircraft maximum gross weight (9,500 pounds) and center of gravity limits (c.g.) will be maintained. The system must be capable of incorporation the current UH-1H infrared suppression system. Minimal structural changes will be permitted to support engine installation. No changes or updates to any other UH-1H helicopter dynamic components shall be permitted. Safety and technical risks will also be a major consideration in this effort. The Government will place particular emphasis on lowering life cycle costs in the specific operation and support (O&S) areas of maintenance, training, supportability and fuel consumption. The proposed effort will provide information and data for a trade study which includes information for programmatic, budget, and upgrade decisions in the FY98 time frame. Significant cost and technical benefits are sought through collateral savings to the Comanche Program. All responsible sources will be considered by the Agency. (0098)

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