B -- ENHANCED FLIGHT TERMINATION SYSTEM STUDY

Notice Date

October 23, 2000

Contracting Office

NASA/Dryden Flight Research Center, Code A, P.O. Box 273, Edwards, CA 93523-0273

ZIP Code

93523-0273

Response Due

October 27, 2000

Point of Contact

Roberta J. Ross, Contract Specialist, Phone (661) 276-3143, Fax (661) 276-2904, Email roberta.ross@dfrc.nasa.gov

E-Mail Address

Roberta J. Ross (roberta.ross@dfrc.nasa.gov)

Description

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Dryden Flight Research Center (DFRC) is releasing a Sources Sought for an Enhanced Flight Termination System Study. The Range Safety Group and Flight Termination Standing Committee of the Range Commanders' Council have initiated a study task to identify new robust command links for future range safety applications. This study will address links for multiple ranges including Department of Defense (DOD) test ranges and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) test centers. The command link operates as part of the overall Flight Safety System (FSS); typical functions can include termination of flight, injection of commands into the vehicle flight control system (engine cutoff), and commands that place the vehicle in the recovery mode. The study will cover command links used to control tactical missiles, sounding rockets, expendable launch vehicles, ballistic missiles, remotely piloted vehicles, subscale aerial targets, reusable launch vehicles, and full-scale aerial targets. The first phase of the study will focus on current range infrastructures and evaluate compatibility with new links. This phase will also address performance requirements for the overall link and airborne hardware. Key study parameters will include link security, ability to maintain the link throughout maximum vehicle dynamics, acquisition/process time, frequency use, jamming protection, noise/multipath immunity, suitability for use with low power transmitters, multiple access, vehicle impacts, maturity of proposed technology, compatibility with existing ground systems, testability, and reliability. Next-generation command links are expected to be highly secure, fully capable through a wide range of vehicle dynamics, and (to the maximum extent possible) compatible with existing ground transmitters. The first phase of the study has been completed. Follow-on phases will review proposed designs to meet these general requirements, model design performance under operational conditions, and provide guidelines that participating ranges can use to specify and acquire next-generation command links. Interested vendors will be encouraged to review and comment on performance requirements as coordinated by the study group, review reports on existing range infrastructure, present candidate solutions for the link and associated flight hardware, and participate in industry-oriented milestones for each study phase. An Industry Day will be held at NASA DFRC on or about 8 November 2000 to orient vendors on the study and answer any questions related to the study and its goals. More information to follow on exact date, time, and other visitation requirements. NOTE: This is not a request for proposal. This is not a formal procurement and therefore is not a solicitation. This notice is not to be construed as a commitment by the government to ultimately issue an IFB, RFP, RFQ, or contract. All interested sources may fax a Letter of Interest to the attention of Robert Sakahara at (661) 276-5689 by 27 October 2000. Points of Contact: Maria Tobin, Deputy Range Safety Systems Office, Phone (661) 276-2154, Fax (661) 276-5689, Email Maria.Tobin@dfrc.nasa.gov or Robert D. Sakahara, Manager, Extended Test Range Alliance, Phone (661) 276-2566, Fax (661) 276-5689, Email Robert.Sakahara@dfrc.nasa.gov.

Web Link

Click here for the latest information about this notice (http://nais.msfc.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/EPS/bizops.cgi?gr=D&pin=24#SS-EFTSS1023-RJR)

Record

Loren Data Corp. 20001025/BSOL005.HTM (D-297 SN5049P2)