Statement of Objectives for Tunnel 9 Hydraulics Upgrade

16 June 2026

STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVE

FOR

TUNNEL 9 HYDRAULIC SYSTEM UPGRADE

ARNOLD ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT COMPLEX

ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, TN 37389-9998

Distribution A.
Approved for Public Release. Distribution is unlimited.

Per AEDC-IRA-26-1719

16 June 2026

1. BACKGROUND

1.1. Background

1.2. Statement of Need

1.3. Justification

2. SCOPE OF WORK

3. APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS

2.1 Government Documents

2.2 Non-Government Documents

4. REQUIREMENTS

4.1. General

4.2. Engineering/Design

4.3. Part Procurement

4.4. Demolition/Installation/Verification

Appendix A – Submittal Procedure
Appendix B – Scope Split Table

Distribution A.
Approved for Public Release. Distribution is unlimited.

Per AEDC-IRA-26-1719

Table of Contents-1

16 June 2026

1.

Background

1.1.

NOTICE TO OFFERERS

This Statement of Objectives (SOO) is a high-level summary of a project that seeks to find contractors capable and willing to complete this project. Once a contractor that meets these requirements, along with the ability to access CUI, submits their capabilities for this project, a more detailed Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) Statement of Work will be shared prior to bidding on the contract.

1.2.

Background
Tunnel 9, a geographically separated unit of AEDC located in Silver Spring, MD, provides the Department of Defense with unique hypersonic ground test capabilities. A core feature of this facility is a high-speed, single-axis positioning system that allows for the collection of vital performance data under demanding conditions. This capability is powered by a complex hydraulic system that actuates several critical functions, including the primary high-speed motion of the test apparatus. Motion control is managed through a custom control architecture that sends command signals to a specialized three-stage servo-proportional valve, which is the centerpiece of the motion control and the primary focus of this upgrade initiative.

2. OBJECTIVE

2.1. The objective of this project is for the Contractor to perform a comprehensive modernization of a high-performance hydraulic motion system. The scope includes the design, procurement, installation, and commissioning of core system components, including the primary control valve, main actuating cylinder, and the Hydraulic Power Unit (HPU). All associated accumulators, intermediate valves, regulators, and piping necessary for the new system shall also be replaced.
Furthermore, the upgrade shall introduce two key enhancements: a dedicated filtration and cooling circuit to maintain hydraulic fluid health and additional