SALIENT CHARACTERISTICS TUBE BENDER MACHINE.docx
DOCX document 18 KB Posted
- Solicitation number
- FA488726Q0049
About this file
This document is a Statement of Need outlining salient characteristics for a Form-Line 2.0 CNC tube bender machine required by Luke Air Force Base's Aircraft Structural Maintenance flight to support F-35A Lightning II hydraulic line fabrication and repair. The requirement addresses a critical operational gap: without local tube bending capability, Luke AFB faces extended Non-Mission Capable (NMC) times for aircraft due to dependency on standard supply chains. The tube bender will enable local fabrication of high-pressure hydraulic assemblies operating at 3,000-5,000 PSI, reducing line-replacement lead times from weeks to hours and directly supporting the 56th Fighter Wing's fleet readiness and daily training sortie generation.
The machine specifications include strict requirements for physical footprint (17'L x 5'W x 6'H), minimum 8-foot tube-over-mandrel capacity with Rubberflex collet compatibility, continuous Center Line Radius bending from 1/2" to 10", native compatibility with existing USAF Form-Line tooling, right-hand clockwise rotation, integrated AC cabinet cooling, Bend Pro G2 Control System operation, heavy-duty leveling mounts, remote footswitch activation, mobile floor console, front-facing proximity laser scanner for safety, fully programmable X-axis with Servo X, and servo-actuated clamp die for precision pressure on thin-walled titanium tubing. The vendor must provide minimum 12-month warranty with remote maintenance capability and three days of on-site installation and training. This procurement is associated with solicitation FA488726Q0049, issued by Department of the Air Force Air Education and Training Command, which covers two separate machines including both the tube bender and a pneumatic flaring machine; however, funds are not presently available, and the government reserves cancellation rights.
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Other files
| File | Type | Posted |
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| Antiterrorism Pamphlet .pdf | ||
| Solicitation - FA488726Q0049.pdf | ||
| SALIENT CHARACTERISTICS FOR DOUBLE FLARE MACHINE.docx | DOCX document | |
| Ombudsman.docx | DOCX document |
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Text version
SALIENT CHARACTERISTICS
FOR PURCHASE OF FORM-LINE 2.0 TUBE BENDER
FOR
Aircraft Structural Maintenance, Fabrication Flight
LUKE AFB, AZ
Purpose & Impact Statement:
The Aircraft Structural Maintenance section requires a fully electric CNC tube bender to manufacture and repair high-pressure hydraulic lines locally for the F-35A Lightning II. F-35 hydraulic systems operate at extreme pressures (up to 3,000–5,000 PSI), requiring absolute precision that cannot be achieved via manual bending methods.
Impact on 56 FW if not approved: Without this equipment, Luke AFB will remain entirely dependent on the standard supply chain for critical F-35 tubing assemblies, resulting in extended Non-Mission Capable (NMC) times for aircraft. Local fabrication reduces line-replacement lead times from weeks to hours, directly impacting the 56 FW’s ability to generate daily training sorties and maintain fleet readiness.
Tubing Machine Requirements:
1. Footprint (17’L x 5’W x 6’H) Maximum physical envelope of 17’L x 5’W x 6’H to integrate safely into pre-allocated shop space.
2. Tube Capacity: Minimum 8-foot tube-over-mandrel capacity, fully compatible with a Rubberflex collet system.
3. Bending Range: Must achieve a continuous Center Line Radius (CLR) range from 1/2" up to 10".
4. Tooling Compatibility: Must be natively compatible with existing USAF-inventory Form-Line tooling and die sets to prevent redundant and wasteful procurement costs.
5. Rotation: Right-hand (clockwise) bending rotation to match existing programmed USAF bending profiles without requiring software rewrites.
6. Cooling: Integrated AC electrical cabinet cooling system to protect electronics in shop environments.
7. Control System: Must operate on the Bend Pro G2 Control System to ensure seamless interface with existing workflows.
8. Mounts: Heavy-duty machine leveling mounts to isolate vibration and preserve bending precision.
9. Footswitch: Remote start cycle footswitch to safely initiate bends while handling long tubing.
10. Console: Mobile industrial floor console to keep the operator safely distanced from the moving bend arm.
11. Safety Scanner: Integrated front-facing proximity laser scanner that automatically halts the machine if the hazard zone is breached.
12. Warranty & Support: Minimum 12-month warranty, remote maintenance, and 3 days of on-site installation/training.
13. X-Axis: Fully programmable X-axis (Servo X) for automated Center Line Radius (CLR) adjustments.
14. Clamp Die: Servo-Actuated Clamp Die to provide precise pressure and prevent crushing thin-walled titanium aircraft tubing.
END OF STATEMENT OF NEED
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .