20200417 - JLTV GADS RPP.pdf

NSRDEC BOTAA_17-01 REQUEST FOR PROJECT PROPOSAL (RPP) W911QY-20-S-0009

Area of Interest: Aerial Delivery Technology Prototype: Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) C-17 Gravity Airdrop System (GADS) Preliminary Design

Objective: This Request for Project Proposal (RPP) is issued to request preproposals (white papers) in accordance with Section III, B, 1, of the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center (NSRDEC) Broad Other Transaction Authority Announcement (BOTAA) 17-01 competitive announcement, and is being issued for planning purposes only. It is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government to award an agreement, nor will the Government pay for the information solicited. Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center (CCDC SC) is seeking information on the capabilities and willingness of private entities (academic, non-profit and commercial) to develop a preliminary JTLV GADS design concept that will lead to a prototype capability, as defined on page 5 of the

BOTAA.

Background: The JLTV is replacing the High Mobility Multi-Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) within the Department of Defense (DoD). The current C-17 Dual Row Airdrop System (DRAS) capability (which comprises gravity airdrop using the side-by-side logistics rail/lock systems) enables delivery of up to eight (8) HMMWVs on a single aircraft. Due to the larger size and weight of the JLTV, it is currently limited to two (2) JLTVs per C-17 using the conventional Low Velocity Airdrop System (LVADS) capability which comprises parachute extracted airdrop from the airdrop rail/lock system using a standard, 24-foot, Type V airdrop platform.

CCDC SC is executing a three-year, US Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) funded project to develop an increased JLTV C-17 Gravity Airdrop System (GADS) capability that will enable airdrop of four (4) JLTVs per C-17. There are two different approaches being considered to achieve the increased JLTV C-17 GADS capability. The first approach involves an increase to the current DRAS capability to enable the larger and heavier JLTV to be gravity airdropped using the side-by-side logistics rails. The second approach involves using the conventional airdrop rail system to gravity airdrop the JLTV on a platform that is shorter than the 24-foot, Type V platform used for current LVADS of the JLTV, allowing more JLTV’s to be airdropped per C-17 aircraft.

Information on current DRAS components and rigging procedures can be found in Technical Manual (TM) 4-48.05 “Airdrop of Supplies and Equipment: Dual Row Airdrop Systems”.

Information on current LVADS components and rigging procedures can be found in Technical Manual (TM) 4-48.02 “Airdrop of Supplies and Equipment: Rigging Airdrop Platforms; Airdrop Derigging and Recovery Procedures; Reference Data for Airdrop Platform Loads”. Information on both Type V and DRAS platform components and platform assembly can be found in TM 10- 1670-268-20&P “Organizational Maintenance Manual for the Type V Airdrop Platform and the Dual Row Airdrop Platform”. Additional C-17 aircraft information can be found in MIL-STD- 1791C(1) “Designing for Internal Aerial Delivery in Fixed Wing Aircraft”. Airdrop load suspension requirements can be found in MIL-STD-814D. Among other sections, of specific interest may be

Figure A-11 in MIL-STD-1791C(1), which shows the C-17 aerial delivery system rollers and logistics rollers and Figure B-77 that shows the C-17 tip-off curve. Along with the previously referenced documents, the drawings of the existing Type V and DRAS platforms and their subcomponents are available upon request. A spreadsheet version of the C-17 tip-off curve shown in MIL-STD- 1791C(1) Figure B-77 is also available. Documents require sending via SAFE.

Drawings of the JLTV can be made available to US contractors after completing a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) with the JLTV Joint Program Office. The NDA template is attached to this RPP as a reference.

Primary challenges with increasing the number of JLTVs that can be airdropped per aircraft are as follows for each of the gravity airdrop approaches:

1. Gravity Airdrop Challenges Using Side-by-Side Logistics Rails:

a. Current DRAS is limited to 14,500 lbs payloads. A JLTV payload is expected to have a total rigged weight between 22,000 lbs and 27,500 lbs.

b. Current DRAS is limited to a width of 88 inches. The JLTV is 96 inches wide.

c. The current logistics locks, used for restraint and release of DRAS payloads, are not rated to release payloads for gravity airdrop over 14,500 lbs. Supplemental or alternative restraint/release methods are needed.

d. The width of the usable area of the C-17 cargo bay in the aircraft is 216 inches. In addition to the width required for placing two JLTVs side-by-side in the logistics rails, there must be a minimum clearance of at least 4 inches between the two platforms and payloads and at least 10 inches from the payload or platform to the edge of the inboard catwalk. This spacing is required to ensure aircrew egress avenues and sufficient clearance from the aircraft body. These minimum clearance dimensions are based on the width of each JLTV DRAS load not exceeding 96 inches and the load being symmetrically rigged about the centerline of the platform. At the time of this writing the minimum clearances were based on the best available information from a preliminary fit check of a JLTV rigged on an available DRAS platform on a C-17 aircraft. A follow-on fit check is planned to verify the minimum clearance spacing with the Air Force. Any changes to the current minimum DRAS spacing will be updated after the follow-on fit check is completed.

e. The JLTV cannot be item-suspended during airdrop, therefore the platform must provide the necessary strength and provisions for suspension of the payload. A method for routing or securing suspension slings from the ground release, around the JLTV, and to the platform is needed.

f. The existing 18-foot DRAS platform is not long enough to support the JLTV. A JLTV payload requires deployable outriggers to prevent rollover and platform space to accommodate the main recovery parachutes as the recovery parachutes cannot be placed directly on the JLTV.

2. Gravity Airdrop Challenges Using Airdrop Rails:

a. Rigging the JLTV on a shorter, 18-ft airdrop platform for gravity airdrop from the airdrop rails will allow a total of four (4) JLTV’s to be airdropped from the C-17 aircraft using both the cargo bay (3 platforms) and the ramp (1 platform).

b. A shorter, gravity airdropped platform will require repositioning of the recovery parachutes to the forward end of the load, above the hood of the JLTV. This will require a method to support the parachutes. The design should maximize the clearance between the support method and the JLTV without violating the attached C-17 tip off curve.

c. The shorter platform will also need to address load roll over by either integrating the existing outriggers or providing a suitable mechanism that can only be deployed after the load exits the aircraft.

d. CCDC SC is investigating use of the existing aircraft airdrop system rail and locks for restraint/release, however supplemental or above-the-floor restraint/release system concepts would be welcome.

e. The current type V platform is 108-inches wide within the ADS rails to interface with the airdrop rails and locks. This interface must be maintained to allow use of the airdrop rails and locks for in-flight load restraint and potentially for load release.

f. An increased width platform up to 126 inches, extended above and outboard of the airdrop rails, is permitted and may be beneficial in integrating the outriggers as well as providing additional clearance for the JLTV rigging. To permit the Loadmaster to access to the ADS locks in an emergency, the platform overhang may not dip below a horizontal plane even with the top of the ADS rails.

g. The JLTV cannot be item-suspended during airdrop, therefore the platform must provide the necessary strength and provisions for suspension of the payload. A method for routing or securing suspension slings from the ground release, around the JLTV, and to the platform is needed.

Requirements: The purpose of this RPP is to solicit preproposals to conduct concept development and a preliminary design for an improved capability to enable gravity airdrop of four (4) JLTVs from a C-17 using the logistics rails and/or the airdrop rails. The preliminary design may be based on reusing, modifying, or enhancing existing airdrop hardware, or by developing completely new systems or subsystems. If this RPP results in the award of an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) for concept development and preliminary design of the JLTV GADS the government shall retain unlimited rights to data generated under the agreement, in addition to the option to obtain Government purpose rights to any restricted data.

The preproposals may address the full requirements or may propose a subsystem of the overall JLTV GADS capability using one or both approaches (gravity airdrop using logistics rails and/or gravity airdrop from the airdrop rails) If addressing a subsystem of the overall capability, the preproposal shall identify methods and requirements to integrate with other subsystems, which may require that contractors enter into Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDA’s) with other contractors selected for Phase I

The primary objective of this conceptual development (Phase I) is for the vendor to generate a preliminary design that can be ready for detailed design, prototype fabrication and ground testing in a potential follow-on Phase II. Phase I desired duration is four (4) months and not to exceed six (6) months. Execution and funding of Phase II will depend on successful completion of Phase I and availability of funds.

CCDC SC has divided the requirements for the JLTV GADS into three categories: essential, attendant and elective. Pre-proposals shall meet all the essential and attendant requirements as well as any or all of the elective requirements. If a requirement is specific to particular gravity airdrop approach that is so noted in the table below. While thresholds and objectives are listed for essential requirements, CCDC SC strongly prefers a solution that can meet objective metrics. For pre-proposals that focus on a subsystem, the pre-proposal shall identify how the subsystem either enables (or at minimum, doesn’t preclude) meeting the overall system essential and attendant requirements (and any elective requirements).

Essential Requirement Threshold Objective Weight capability Ability to airdrop

16,500-18,000 lbs JLTV A-kit variants with a total rigged weight (TRW)1 not to exceed 27,500 lbs

Ability to airdrop up to 21,000 lb JLTV B-kit variant with a TRW not to exceed 27,500 lbs

Space claim Logistics Rail Solutions:

Full system and vehicle remain within envelope defined in Figure 1 with a platform length of not more than 24-ft

T=O

Airdrop Rail Solutions:

Full System and vehicle remain within a platform width not to exceed 126 inches and be rigged on a platform length of not more than 18 feet.2

T=O

Payload Restraint3 Capable of restraining a threshold total rigged weight (TRW) payload in accordance with (IAW) MIL-STD- 1791C (3g forward, 1.5g lateral, 1.5 g aft, 2g up, 4g down).

Capable of restraining an objective TRW payload IAW MIL-STD-1791C (3g forward, 1.5g lateral, 1.5 g aft, 2g up, 4g down).

Platform Restraint4 Logistics Rail Solutions: Capable of restraining the platform against loads of 3g forward and 1.5 g aft

T=O

Airdrop Rail Solutions:

If ADS locks are not used, system must be capable of restraining platform against loads of 3g forward and 1.5 aft

T=O

Release Capable of releasing a threshold TRW payload at 7 degree deck angle

Capable of releasing an objective TRW payload at 7 degree deck angle

Compatibility5 Logistics Rail Solutions -Compatible with C- 17 systems to include C-17 logistics rails and rollers

T=O

Airdrop Rail Solutions

– Compatible with C- 17 systems to include the C-17 airdrop rails, rollers and locks

T=O

Suspension Enables suspension from the platform for a threshold payload

IAW MIL-STD-814D

Enables suspension from the platform for an objective payload IAW MIL-STD-814D

Aircraft modification No permanent modification to the aircraft is permitted.

All systems must be readily removable after flight.

T=O

Energy Dissipating Material (EDM)

Able to use paper honeycomb

T=O

Roll-over prevention Use of DRAS deployable outriggers or other method to prevent system rollover after landing

T=O

Parachute Compatibility

Able to be gravity airdropped using up to 6 G-11 or up to 5 G-16 main recovery parachutes6

T=O

1 System total rigged weight will include the JLTV, platform, rigging materials, recovery parachutes and any other component that leaves the aircraft with the payload.

2 Longitudinal overhang of the rigged vehicle is allowed on the 18-ft platform.

3 Full restraint requirements can be found in MIL-STD-1791C, paragraph 5.3.3.Restraint requirement assumes platform lateral and vertical restraint is provided by the C-17 logistics rails and/or the airdrop rails. Payload restraint is provided by the platform in all required directions.

4 CCDC anticipates using the aircraft ADS rails and locks for restraint and release of airdrop rail solutions; however, supplemental or above-the-floor restraint/release system concepts are welcomed. The Wireless Gate Release System is an available, above-the-floor option for consideration for in-flight restraint and release of logistics and/or airdrop rail solutions.

5 Logistics rail solutions must be capable of using the logistics rails and rollers (to include meeting aircraft individual roller and roller row load limits), but are not required to utilize the logistics locks. Airdrop rail solutions must be capable of using the airdrop rails and rollers (to include meeting aircraft individual roller and row load limits), and locks for transport but are not required to utilize the locks for the load release phase if a supplemental restraint/release system is offered.

6When packed, a single G-11D and G-16 parachute is 12 inches high, 36 inches wide and 48 inches long and weighs 250 pounds. For a logistics rail solution the recovery parachutes will be stacked in rows of not more than two (2) parachutes per row. For an airdrop rail solution the parachutes will be stacked in rows of not more than three (3) parachutes per row.

Figure 1. Allowable Space Envelope for Logistics Rail Solutions

In addition to the requirements listed above, there are a significant number of other technical requirements to ensure airdrop safety and aircraft compatibility. CCDC SC is willing to provide clarification and explanation behind these airdrop-specific requirements as needed during development. Some of these attendant technical requirements are described below:

Attendant Requirement Threshold = Objective Environmental Shall function in basic, hot and cold environments per MIL-STD-810.

Shall cause neither adverse effects nor electromagnetic interference on the aircraft from which it is deployed Shall not experience any adverse effects from electromagnetic interference nor from electro-static discharge

IN

TO 1C-17A-9 Cargo Compartment Envelope

10 IN

4 IN

BL 0

6 IN

6 IN

4 IN BETWEEN

PLATFORMS

Min 6in from JLTV to strake 216 in between inboard edges of catwalks Min 6 in from JLTV to anchor cable bracket Min 4 in between JLTVs/platforms Min 10 in from JLTV to inboard edge of catwalk

Transportation

Shall be capable of being transported by highway, rail, marine and air modes world-wide

Load Stability Any platform solution shall provide payload stability and preclude sway of the vehicle during turbulence and gravity extraction from the aircraft System shall withstand the dynamics of aircraft exit, recovery parachute deployment and opening and load stabilization which can take up to 15 secs after exit and result in load rotations of +/- 180 degrees

Ground Impact & De-rigging Shall operate at ground impact velocities up to 28.5 FPS and be capable of sustaining ground impact forces that impart on the payload not more than 19.5 times the force due to gravity with no damage to the platform or the payload Shall allow the payload to be de-rigged on the drop zone without special tools

Pyrotechnics & Batteries (if applicable) Additional storage, transport and environmental requirements apply.

Elective requirements:

• Ability to be rigged symmetrically about the centerline of the platform to avoid “right side” vs. “left side” rigging schemes.

• Capabilities to reduce the need for paper honeycomb are of interest (e.g. airbags).

However, inclusion of this capability shall not prevent the use of paper honeycomb (either independently or in addition to), as some vehicles or payloads may still require traditional EDM support under critical components (e.g. engine, transmission, etc).

• Although CCDC SC considers the JLTV as the largest and most challenging payload within this effort, the ability to airdrop other vehicles or payloads that fit within the available space claim is desired.

Anticipated deliverables for the JLTV GADS Phase I concept development are listed below.

1. Preliminary conceptual design with sufficient detail to allow the Government to evaluate the concept’s technical merits and the degree to which the concept meets the requirements for an overall determination of the strengths and weaknesses of the proposed design and the likelihood of success in a follow-on Phase II prototype fabrication effort. Designs from Phase I should be able to complete detailed design to be ready for prototype fabrication within 3 months of the start of a Phase II effort.

2. Conceptual design drawings/models and design data shall be prepared to define design concepts in graphic form, and include appropriate textual information required for analysis and evaluation of those concepts. If 3D CAD models form the design definition without 2D drawings they shall, at a minimum, include geometric representation defining the physical shape of the component(s) and annotated dimensions defining the overall envelope or boundary size of the component(s) and all material information that is known at the level shall be called out in either a general annotated note and/or in the system parameters of the model. Finish requirements should be called out in a general annotated note. If used, contractor 2D drawing format is acceptable and the title block should identify the part number, contract number, drawn by, and the applicable distribution statement.

3. A final culminating Phase I preliminary design review meeting.

4. A final design report to include estimated detailed design and prototype fabrication costs, identification of any risks for Phase II, and identification of any Government Furnished Equipment needed for Phase II.

5. Host biweekly Interim Project Reviews (via telecon or web connection) to discuss designs, pricing, schedule and other topics relevant to the development

Performance Objectives: Preproposals should be limited to three to five pages, and include a description of the relevant technology including supporting data, the scope of the proposed effort including a high-level Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), and a description of the proposer’s research, development, manufacturing, past performance, or other special qualifications. The preproposal should indicate the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) level of the proposed design per the TRL level definitions found in Attachment 0001 of the BOTAA. The preproposal must also include an anticipated cost for the efforts described in the preproposal.

Preproposals shall be submitted to the following email address: usarmy.natick.rdecom.mbx.ota-nsrdec@mail.mil and Richard.w.totten2.civ@mail.mil.

Brochures or other descriptions of general organizational or individual capabilities will not be accepted as a preproposal. All preproposals will be assigned an identification number and an email will acknowledge receipt of a preproposal. Usually, the Project Manager of the submitting organization should receive a decision letter or email regarding the preproposal within 60-90 days of submission.

Administration: The Government will retain comments and information received in response to this RPP. Proprietary information should be identified as Company Proprietary. Do not use Government security classification markings. All written responses must be received by 12:00 PM, 21 Calendar days after posting date of this announcement. Responses should be sent by e-mail to: usarmy.natick.rdecom.mbx.ota-nsrdec@mail.mil with Subject Line of Responding Organization and RPP Title. Material that is advertisement only in nature is not desired.

Respondents may review the NSRDEC BOTAA at beta.sam.gov, keyword BOTAA for additional areas of interest and/or preproposal submission instructions and representative POCs.

mailto:usarmy.natick.rdecom.mbx.ota-nsrdec@mail.mil mailto:usarmy.natick.rdecom.mbx.ota-nsrdec@mail.mil

NSRDEC BOTAA_17-01 REQUEST FOR PROJECT PROPOSAL (RPP) W911QY-20-S-0009