MXU-648 F-16 Aircraft Travel Pod Refurbishment and Enhancement

The 52nd Fighter Wing (FW) has the requirement for the refurbishment and enhancement of (30) thirty MXU-648 aluminum F-16 aircraft travel pods.

The Contractor shall repair the travel pods in groups of 25 or less and complete all work at an off-site location. Work consists of preparation, sheet metal repair, repair of latches and hinges, painting and customization (as required). The overhaul will consist of a complete tear down of the pod, (i.e.. removal of nose cones, access door and lugs). The pods will require complete paint removal, inspection for damage and treatment for corrosion. All accessible dents will require removal along with any sheet metal work required to fix damage and make the pod water tight and airworthy. The nose cones and access door seals will need to be replaced to prevent water intrusion. A new access door with quick release latches and hinges will require manufacturing and installation by the Contractor. All access doors shall be fitted flush with the pod. Additional beef-up plates shall be installed on the side of the pod for latch support Pods will require one loading handle at each end, and four feet fins that will need to be manufactured and installed to prevent the pod from rolling when placed on the ground or stored. Once all sheet metal work is completed, each pod will need to have a non-destructive inspection and submersed in an alodine coating to extend service life. Twenty-seven (27) of the thirty (30) pods shall be painted with gray MIL-Spec 270 or compatible MIL-Spec paint. Three (3) of the thirty (30) pods shall require a custom paint job. The custom paint job with stenciling shall at a minimum consist of high gloss paint finish, multi-color paint, owning unit decals, rank/name of Commander and organization.

After all modifications detailed above to these pods shall be certified as flightworthy by the Air Force SEEK EAGLE Office.