RFI for industry FINLETS.docx

Request for Information (RFI) - Finlets for C-130 Aircraft

Introduction This Request for Information (RFI) is issued by AFLCMC/WLN (C-130 Systems Program Management Office) seeking information from qualified manufacturers or vendors regarding the production of drag reducing finlets and potential installation of finlets on the C-130J-30 aircraft. The objective is to explore the feasibility and potential benefits of using finlets to improve the aerodynamic performance of the aircraft, specifically focusing on the impacts to aerodynamic drag, fuel efficiency, and aircraft stability. This RFI is for informational purposes only and is not a commitment to purchase. The information gathered will be used to assess the current state of the art, identify potential suppliers, and inform our future procurement strategy. This RFI does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) and does not obligate AFLCMC/WLN to award a contract.

Background and Objectives The C-130J-30 aircraft plays a vital role in AFLCMC/WLN mission operations in both the homeland and abroad. We are exploring potential modifications to enhance the aircraft's performance and efficiency. Finlets offer a potential solution for reducing drag and improving fuel economy and efficiency. This RFI seeks to understand the current state of the art in finlet technology for large transport aircraft and its applicability to the C-130J-30 platform.

Scope of Information Requested Interested parties are requested to provide information addressing the following:

a. Technical Feasibility: Demonstrate the technical feasibility of designing and integrating finlets into the C-130J-30 aircraft. Include details on proposed finlet design parameters (e.g., size, shape, material, placement) and their impact on aerodynamic performance. Provide Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis or wind tunnel test data to support claims of improvement performance.

b. Structural Integration: Discuss the structural considerations and necessary modifications to the C-130 airframe to accommodate the addition of finlets. Address load distribution, fatigue life, and potential impacts on existing systems.

c. Performance Improvement: Provide estimated improvements in fuel efficiency, range, and stability with the implementation of finlets. Quantify the potential fuel savings and associated cost reductions.

d. Cost and Schedule: Provide estimated costs for design, development, testing, certification, and production of finlets. Present a realistic timeline for each phase of the project. Please provide a rough cost estimate and lead time for producing 10 of these finlets using your preferred material and manufacturing process.

e. Company Experience: Describe your company's experience in designing, developing, and integrating aerodynamic modifications, particularly finlets, for large aircraft. Provide relevant examples of past projects and their outcomes.

Technical Capability and Information Please provide detailed information regarding your capabilities to meet the following requirements. If you cannot meet a specific requirement, please indicate that clearly and explain any limitations.

Material:

· Material(s) Offered: Please specify the exact material and alloy(s) for the finlets. Provide datasheets if not using military or commercial standard materials. – e.g., AlSi10Mg per ASTM F3318-18, AlSi7Mg, 2024-T3 per AMS 4152, 7075-T6 per AMS 4154, SAE-AISI 4130 Stainless Steel, etc.

· Post-Processing: Describe available post-processing options to improve material properties, surface finish, or dimensional accuracy, such as heat treatment, adhesive, HIP, machining, etc. Include typical results and benefits of these processes.

Part Specifications:

· Finlet Dimensions: Provide your maximum and the smallest feature size you can reliably produce.

· Dimensional Accuracy: State the achievable dimensional accuracy for production of finlets. Specify tolerances achievable with and without post-processing.

· Surface Finish: Describe the typical surface finish achievable and after any post-processing options. Provide Ra (Arithmetic Mean Roughness Values) if possible.

3D Printing Process (As Applicable):

· Technology Used: Specify the 3D printing technology used for production of finlets – e.g., Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF), Binder Jetting, Directed Energy Deposition (DED), etc.

· Process Parameters: Briefly describe the process parameters you control to ensure part quality and consistency.

· Support Structures: Describe your approach to support structure design and removal. How do you minimize the impact of support structures on the final part surface?

· Build Orientation: Explain how build orientation affects part properties and surface finish.

· In-Process Monitoring: Describe any in-process monitoring techniques used to ensure part quality.

· Minimum Wall Thickness: Specify the minimum wall thickness you can reliably produce.

· Aspect Ratio Limitations: Are there any limitations on the aspect ratio of finlets you can produce?

· Design for Additive Manufacturing (DFAM) Guidelines: Do you have DFAM guidelines or recommendations for designing finlets for your specific 3D printing process?

Material Removal Process (As Applicable):

· Technology Used: Specify the material removal technology used for production of finlets – e.g CNC machine, laser cutting, waterjet cutting etc.

· Process Parameters: Briefly describe the process parameters you control to ensure part quality and consistency.

· Build Orientation: Explain how build orientation affects part properties and surface finish.

· In-Process Monitoring: Describe any in-process monitoring techniques used to ensure part quality.

· Design for Subtractive Manufacturing (DFM) Guidelines: Do you have DFM guidelines or recommendations for designing finlets for your specific material removal process?

Production Capabilities:

· Maximum Part Size: Specify the maximum dimensions of a single finlet you can produce.

· Production Capacity: Estimate your production capacity for production of finlets per week/month.

· Lead Time: Provide an estimated lead time for producing a batch of finlets, assuming a typical order size.

· Batch Size Flexibility: Can you accommodate small prototype runs as well as larger production volumes? If so, what is the maximum capacity that you can produce per month?

Cost Information:

· Cost Estimation: Describe your cost estimation process. What factors influence the cost of production of finlets?

· Pricing Structure: Provide a general overview of your pricing structure – i.e., cost per part, cost per build, etc.

· Volume Discounts: Do you offer volume discounts for larger orders?

Quality Control:

· Inspection Methods: Describe the inspection methods you use to ensure part quality – i.e., visual inspection, dimensional measurement, non-destructive testing (NDT), etc.

· Testing Capabilities: What testing capabilities do you have in-house or through partners – i.e., tensile testing, hardness testing, thermal conductivity testing, etc.?

· Documentation: What documentation do you provide with each order i.e., material certificates, inspection reports, etc.?

Design and Engineering Support:

· Design Assistance: Do you offer design assistance or optimization services for production of finlets?

· Simulation Capabilities: Do you offer simulation services to predict part performance – e.g., thermal analysis, structural analysis, etc.?

Example Finlet (Optional, but Highly Recommended) To help us better understand your capabilities, please provide a sample finlet design using one of the below options.

· Option 1: Attach a commonly used 3D file format, Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software, or drawing of a representative finlet design.

· Option 2: Describe the key features and dimensions of a representative finlet design.

Sustainability Considerations (Optional)

· Material Sourcing: Describe your approach to responsible material sourcing.

· Energy Consumption: Briefly describe efforts to minimize energy consumption in your manufacturing process.

· Waste Management: Describe your waste management practices.

Submission Instructions Responses to this RFI should be submitted electronically in PDF format to the contracting officer, William “Russ” Odom at William.odom.2@us.af.mil by 29 August 2025. The response should be concise and no longer than 20 pages, excluding appendices. Please include the following information in your submission:

a. Company name and contact information.

b. Brief company overview and relevant experience.

c. Clear and concise responses to each question in Section 3.

d. Supporting documentation, such as technical reports, CFD analysis, or wind tunnel test data.

Confidentiality The government will not share specific information of each vendors response to this RFI to another vendor. The information will only be shared across the government evaluation team.

Disclaimer This Request for Information is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation for proposals. AFLCMC/WLN reserves the right to use the information received to inform future acquisition decisions. AFLCMC/WLN is not obligated to respond to any submissions or to provide feedback to respondents. No proprietary information should be submitted.

Point of Contact Michael Corley C-130 Structures Program Manager

(478) 926-9882 Michael.corley.8@us.af.mil