RWP EL-TFM

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE

HEADQUARTERS AIR FORCE TEST CENTER (AFMC)

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE CALIFORNIA

REQUEST FOR WHITEPAPERS (RWP)

To: AEDC Velocity Alliance Consortium and Industry Partners via SAM.gov Project Title:
Extreme Loads Tire Force Machine (ELTFM)
Contracting Organization: AFTC/PZ (Arnold)
334519 – Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing Applicable NAICS Code:
(Physical Properties Testing Equipment)
Applicable PSC Code:
6635 – Physical Properties Testing and Inspection Equipment Acquisition Authority:
10 U.S.C. § 4022 – Other Transaction Authority for Prototypes Offerors may recommend an alternate NAICS or PSC code for consideration.

1.0 Introduction and Purpose

The 704th Test Group (704 TG) Aerospace Survivability and Safety Office (OL-AC) at WrightPatterson AFB, Ohio, requires an advanced, state-of-the-art testing capability to replace its legacy Tire Force Machine (TFM). Currently, the legacy system cannot meet the high vertical and lateral load requirements of current tire test profiles. To bridge this critical testing gap, the Government is initiating the Extreme Loads Tire Force Machine (ELTFM) prototype project. The ELTFM is conceived as a unique, high-capacity dynamic test machine designed to bridge the operational gap between high-speed dynamometer force testing and static load presses.

2.0 Project Scope and Key Objectives

The ELTFM will create motion between the tire/wheel and the table, and consist of a high-load, multi-axis dynamic load frame integrated with a high-capacity table, high-precision force and displacement sensors, and a real-time data acquisition (DAQ) and control system. The system must achieve or exceed the Key Performance Parameters (KPPs) and Key System Attributes (KSAs) detailed in the requirements documents to meet current and future military aircraft heavy-tire qualification requirements.

3.0 Instructions for Performer's Response

3.1 Technical Competency

Performers must submit a technical response that demonstrates their historical capability, specialized engineering expertise, and physical resources to execute the ELTFM project. The submission must specifically detail the Performer’s capability to: 1. Design, model, and manufacture heavy-duty, high-capacity mechanical structural load frames capable of managing multi-axial, high-force dynamics meeting the criteria stated in the requirements document.
2. Integrate advanced 6-DOF force/moment sensor arrays and high-resolution displacement