Aircraft Recovery System

The Department of the Army Materiel Command Army Contracting Command is seeking to procure an Aircraft Recovery System consisting of one Aircraft Airlift System and one Air Bag Pneumatic Control Console for delivery to Charleston, SC. The system is specifically designed for Crash Damaged Disabled Aircraft Recovery (CDDAR) operations and includes a sophisticated air bag assembly with five pneumatic modules, each containing three fabric elements with 80,000 internal drop strings to prevent deformation during inflation. The complete system has a 52,000-pound lifting capacity with dimensions of 80 inches wide by 100 inches long, capable of lifting aircraft between 24-120 inches with a maximum lift of 24 inches per module. The accompanying control console weighs 150 pounds, measures 68.25 x 31.5 x 49 inches, and features individual control valves, pressure gauges, and a system pressure regulator compatible with both 15-ton and 26-ton capacity lifting bags. This pre-solicitation notice was posted on September 11, 2025, with the requirement subject to availability of funds, though specific deadlines for questions or proposal submissions have not been provided in the available documentation.

This procurement opportunity does not utilize any set-aside designation, making it available to all eligible contractors in the market. The contract falls under NAICS code 336413 for Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing and PSC code 1680 for Miscellaneous Aircraft Accessories and Components, indicating the specialized nature of the equipment being sought. The system operates at 7 PSI with relief valve settings between 9-10 PSI and includes practical features such as handles and velcro patches for stacking the pneumatic modules, along with a repair kit for ongoing maintenance. While no specific contract value or budget range has been disclosed, the technical complexity and specialized nature of this aircraft recovery equipment suggests a significant procurement investment. The delivery location at Charleston Air Force Base indicates this equipment will support military aviation operations, with the control console carrying the National Stock Number 1730-01-305-6846 for inventory management purposes.