Updated Attachment 4 - Test ad Evaluation.pdf

Aircraft Tow Tractor Test and Evaluation Plan

70Z03826QE0000026

Attachment 4

1.0 Introduction

This document outlines the test and evaluation (T&E) plan for the First Article of the conventional aircraft tow tractor, as solicited by the United States Coast Guard (USCG).

The purpose of this T&E is to verify that the vehicle meets all salient characteristics and performance requirements outlined in the solicitation before production units are accepted. Testing will be performed by the USCG Aviation Logistics Center’s (ALC) Aviation Ground Support Equipment (AGSE) team and Engineering Specialists.

2.0 Scope

This plan covers the verification of the tractor's physical dimensions, weight, performance, operator cabin features, safety systems, and required documentation. Each characteristic listed in the solicitation will be tested and evaluated against the specified requirements.

3.0 Test Procedures

The following tests will be performed on the First Article unit. The location of the First Article Testing will be at United States Coast Guard (USCG) Aviation Logistics Center

(ALC).

3.1 Dimensional and Weight Verification

The vehicle will be measured and weighed using certified scales and measurement tools to ensure it conforms to the physical requirements.

Characteristic Requirement Test Method Pass/Fail Criteria

Length (w/o hitches)

≤ 150 inches Measure with a calibrated tape measure from the furthest points of the main body, excluding hitches.

Must be within the specified maximum length.

Length (w/ hitches) ≤ 180 inches Measure with a calibrated tape measure from the furthest points, including hitches.

Must be within the specified maximum length.

Overall Height ≤ 8 feet Measure from the ground to the highest point of the cab (including beacon).

Must be within the specified maximum height.

Overall Width ≤ 90 inches Measure at the widest point of the vehicle.

Must be within the specified maximum width.

Attachment 4 Gross Weight ≥ 17,000 lbs Weigh the vehicle on a certified vehicle scale.

Must meet or exceed the minimum weight.

Chassis Color White Visually inspect the vehicle's paint color.

Color must be white.

Markings ATA airport markings, reflective

Visually inspect for correct markings on all sides. Test reflectivity in low light.

Markings must be present, correct, and reflective.

Hitch Pin Diameter 2.75 inches Measure the pin diameter of the front and rear hitches using calipers.

Diameter must match the requirement.

3.2 Functional and Performance Tests

These tests will verify the operational and performance capabilities of the tractor.

Characteristic Requirement Test Method Pass/Fail Criteria

Draw Bar Pull

(DBP)

≥ 14,000 lbs Perform a DBP test using a calibrated load cell or dynamometer.

Achieves a sustained pull of at least 14,000 lbs.

Transmission 2 forward, 1 reverse Operate the vehicle through all gears (R, N, D1, D2).

All gears must engage and function correctly.

Drive and Steering 4-wheel drive, 4-wheel hydrostatic steering

Drive the vehicle on various surfaces and execute turns.

4WD engages and steering is responsive and functional.

Brakes Dual braking circuit, hydraulic release parking brake

Perform service brake tests and verify the parking brake holds the vehicle on an incline.

Brakes must function effectively; parking brake must hold and release correctly.

Inching Controls Front and rear controls

Test the inching controls at both the front and rear of the vehicle.

Vehicle must move in small, controlled increments as commanded.

Battery and Charging

80v system, ≥ 66KWh, onboard charger

Inspect battery specifications. Connect the charger to 240V/480V 3-phase power.

Battery meets specs; charging system initiates and functions correctly

Attachment 4 with Posi Charge inlet.

3.3 Operator’s Cab, Lights, and Safety Systems

This section verifies all features related to operator comfort, visibility, and safety are present and functional.

Characteristic Requirement Test Method Pass/Fail Criteria

Mirrors View of front & rear hitch

Operator sits in the driver's seat and confirms a clear line of sight to both hitches via mirrors.

Both hitches must be visible.

Climate Control Defrost, A/C, heat, fan

Activate all climate control functions (defrost, A/C, heat, fan) and verify operation.

All systems must produce conditioned air as expected.

Wipers Front and rear windshield

Activate front and rear wipers and washer fluid systems.

Wipers must clean the windshields effectively.

Seating Suspended driver seat, 2 passenger seats

Inspect seat configuration and test driver and far RH passenger seat suspension.

Seating configuration is correct; suspension provides dampening.

Lights & Signals Beacon, head/tail/side lights, turn/hazard, work lights, reverse lights

Activate all lighting systems individually and verify they illuminate correctly.

All lights must be present and fully functional.

Alarms Reverse buzzer, horn

Engage reverse gear to test the buzzer. Activate the horn.

Both alarms must sound clearly.

Backup Camera Weatherproof, dash-mounted

Engage reverse and check the dash-mounted screen for a clear view from the camera.

Camera provides a clear, weatherproof rear view.

Fire Extinguisher 20 lbs, mounted Verify the fire extinguisher is a 20 lb model and is securely mounted.

Extinguisher must meet size and

Attachment 4 mounting requirements.

4.0 Documentation Verification

The T&E team will verify that all required documentation has been delivered as specified.

Item Requirement Test Method Pass/Fail Criteria

Operations Manual One (1) complete hardcopy

Verify receipt of the printed manual.

Manual must be present and complete.

Electronic Manuals PDF of operation, maintenance, and parts manuals

Verify receipt of a digital file (e.g., on a USB drive or via email) containing the three manuals in PDF format.

All three manuals must be present, complete, and legible in PDF format.

5.0 Pass/Fail Criteria

The First Article unit must pass 100% of the tests outlined in Sections 3.0 and 4.0 of this plan to be approved. Any failure will result in the rejection of the First Article. The vendor will be required to correct all deficiencies and resubmit the unit for re-testing at the vendor's expense. The USCG ALC AGSE team holds final approval authority.