Task order NNC16TA02T for preparations to integrate WJ38-15 turbine engine with combined cycle engine large-scale inlet for mode transition experiments (CCE-LIMX). NASA is interested in concepts and…

This is a task order awarded by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Glenn Research Center (GRC) to Williams International Co., L.L.C. (Willc) for preparations to integrate the WJ38-15 turbine engine with a combined cycle engine large-scale inlet for mode transition experiments (CCE-LIMX). The task order includes providing a cycle deck executable, redesigning and fabricating an oil mist lubricated rear bearing for the WJ38-15 engine, delivering a control system and related components, and providing technical support for the engine integration and testing. This task order is part of the larger Research and Technologies for Aerospace Propulsion Systems 2 (RTAPS2) indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract. The contract has a ceiling value of $3,265,857.00 and a period of performance through June 30, 2022. No set-aside designation was used for this award.

Task order NNC16TA02T for preparations to integrate WJ38-15 turbine engine with combined cycle engine large-scale inlet for mode transition experiments (CCE-LIMX). NASA is interested in concepts and technologies which will enable a turbine-based combined cycle (TBCC) hypersonic flight vehicle. To that end, phase 4 of the CCE-LIMX would involve an integrated inlet test with an operating turbine engine. NASA currently possesses a WI WJ38-15 turbine engine that was specifically modified to be suited to this application. In conjunction with NASA, WI modified their WJ38 subsonic engine to expand its operating capabilities and make IT suitable for testing at mach 3. The engine has been fitted with a distortion tolerant fan stage (that employs government technology), an altered bypass duct, high-temperature liners, an oil mist lubricated front bearing, and an afterburner. NASA glenn research center (GRC) also possesses a single expansion ramp nozzle (SERN) designed to operate with the engine for CCE-LIMX testing. The task order is for: 1) a cycle deck executable, compatible with the dspace system to be used in phase 3 of the combined cycle engine large-scale inlet mode transition experiment (CCE-LIMX), to calculate performance outputs for the WJ38-15 engine at various tunnel and inlet conditions, 2) the redesign, fabrication, and installation of an oil mist lubricated rear bearing on the WJ38-15 engine, currently at the GRC 10X10 supersonic wind tunnel (SWT) facility, replacing the current grease-packed bearing, 3) delivery of a control system, fuel system, and ignition system with control panels, control valves, fuel pumps, ignition system, bleed valves, and bypass valves, and 4) technical support for the installation of the WJ38-15 into the NASA GRC 10X10 SWT for phase 4 of CCE-LIMX, and technical support during phase 4 of CCE-LIMX testing, and technical support including necessary correspondence, documentation, and analysis for the design of the CCE strongback and CCE integrated nozzle.