SALIENT CHARACTERISTICS TUBE BENDER MACHINE.docx
DOCX document 18 KB Posted
- Solicitation number
- FA488726Q0061
About this file
This document outlines the salient characteristics for a tube bender machine required by Luke Air Force Base to support F-35 hydraulic line fabrication operations. The machine must be a fully electric, CNC-controlled tube bender operating on the Bend Pro G2 Control System capable of forming high-pressure tubing to precise angles. The equipment is intended for use by the Aircraft Structural Maintenance flight and represents one component of a two-machine requirement that also includes a pneumatic flaring machine for generating 37-degree double flares on tube ends.
The solicitation (FA488726Q0061) is being reposted after receiving no offers from certified HUBZone businesses in the initial posting. This is a straight acquisition with the Department of the Air Force Air Education and Training Command as the contracting agency. Notably, funds are not presently available for this effort, and no award will be made until funding is secured. The Government reserves the right to cancel the solicitation before or after the closing date with no obligation to reimburse offerors for any costs incurred.
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| SALIENT CHARACTERISTICS FOR DOUBLE FLARE MACHINE.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 .