DARPA_CRANE_Question_and_Answer-20190909.docx

DARPA CRANE

Reference: HR001119S0072 Question and Answer Question 1: Does the CRANE X-plane have an intended mission?

Answer 1: The CRANE program is a demonstration of the benefits of Active Flow Control (AFC) as the primary design consideration at relevant scale and over a relevant envelope. One objective of the Phase 0 is to understand the benefits of AFC as a primary design consideration across a range of potential military mission applications.

Question 2: Is $21M ONLY for Phase 0?

Answer 2: Yes.

Question 3: Is the intention to have multiple concepts per performer in Phase 0?

Answer 3: While multiple concepts per performer are highly encouraged, they are not required.

Question 4: Are conventional control surfaces precluded?

Answer 4: CRANE is intended to demonstrate the benefits of Active Flow Control (AFC) as the primary design consideration, concepts can include conventional control surfaces if they fit into the trade space.

Question 5: Can DARPA obtain and share NATO AVT-239 task group data?

Answer 5: The Proposers day briefings contain citations to publicly available AFC material. Accessing cited data, or other background information, is the responsibility of the proposer.

Question 6: Is it possible to propose testing as part of Phase 0?

Answer 6: Yes, in particular if the testing is in support of concept trade studies and/or to inform the conceptual design / refinement process. Testing is not required, but can be proposed. It is expected that proposers provide a clear discussion of the contribution of the proposed testing.

Question 7: Can a small team or businesses compete for Phase 0 and then partner with a system integrator for the remaining phases?

Answer 7: The BAA is subject to full and open competition, so all concerns, to include small business concerns, capable of performing the work are encouraged to propose. The prime performer must remain constant through all four phases of the program, however, as Phase 2/3 proposals will be solicited from only those prime performers who had been awarded Phase 0/1 contracts (and for which the Phase 1 options had been exercised). However, for those prime performers whose Phase 1 options had been exercised, the solicitation of Phase 2/3 proposals will allow the opportunity for those prime performers to propose different subcontractor teams from those utilized in Phases 0 and 1 as necessary.

Question 8: Is adding AFC to an existing aircraft an option?

Answer 8: The CRANE program is a demonstration of the benefits of Active Flow Control (AFC) as the primary design consideration. Nothing precludes the reuse of subsystems / components from existing aircraft, which allows the proposer to focus program resources on design and demonstration of the critical elements. DARPA is interested in a compelling demonstration, rather than evolutionary improvement to and/or addressing shortcoming(s) of existing aircraft.

Question 9: Is CRANE a continuation of the NATO AVT-239 task group, which was focused on innovative control effectors?

Answer 9: No, this is a separate effort, informed by the NATO AVT-239 study and other research.