Next Generation Aerial Target (NGAT) Supersonic RFI at Eglin AFB

Background
This is a Request for Information (RFI) issued by the Aerial Targets Program Office (AFLCMC/EBAY) of the Air Force Program Executive Office for Weapons (AFPEO/WP) at Eglin AFB, Florida.
The purpose is to conduct a market survey under Public Law Title 10, US Code 2366 to identify industry capabilities to design, integrate, build, test, manufacture, and deliver an affordable threat-representative supersonic aerial target.
The RFI is for informational planning purposes only and is not a solicitation or commitment to procure.

Work Details
Vision: Develop a flexible, growth-capable Next Generation Aerial Target (NGAT) that adapts to emerging technologies, leveraging mature designs to minimize risk. Tasks include designing, integrating, building, testing, and delivering 2-5 fully tested flying prototypes.

The target must replicate advanced adversary threat aircraft (e.g., J-20, Su-57) in performance, signatures (RF, EA, RCS, IR), and expendables (chaff, flares), incorporating provisions for EW equipment, RF emitters, and Electronic Attack (EA) capabilities.

It should support remotely-controlled and autonomous operations.

Key performance and design parameters:
- Support RF and EA emissions with representative RCS and IR signature.
- Integrate ALE-47 countermeasures dispenser system; carry a minimum of 500 lbs internal payload and control five independent payloads; up to 450 lbs external stores per wing.
- Minimum 50 cu ft internal payload volume with sufficient cooling; provide 16 kVA electrical power and 250 amps of 28 VDC, MIL-STD-704F quality.
- Flight envelope: 100 ft to 50,000 ft altitude; two supersonic dashes (Mach 1.2 for 2–4 minutes) at 30,000 ft; perform 3 G/sec onset rate turn for 3 sec achieving ≥16.9 deg/sec at 0.9M & 15,000 ft and 15 deg/sec at 0.9M & 30,000 ft; 2-hour endurance.
- Recoverable via runway (8,000 ft × 150 ft) or parachute; saltwater recovery capability if parachute deployed.
- Launch from an 8,000 ft × 150 ft runway or assisted ground launch; minimal reconstitution time post-recovery; compatibility with existing target control systems; open architecture for government-provided EA payloads; space for antenna integration.

Typical 120-minute test mission profile:
1. Autonomous start, takeoff, climb to cruise altitude
2. Autonomous cruise (~45 min, ~250 nm)
3. Autonomous hold (~10 min)
4. Supersonic dash runs (Mach 1.2 for 2 min) with EA activation, return to hold, repeat once
5. Autonomous return to recovery area
6. Autonomous descent, recovery, landing, braking

Period of Performance
Delivery of 2–5 fully tested flying prototypes within 5 years of contract award.

Place of Performance
Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, with operations including runway launch/recovery (8,000 ft × 150 ft), ground launch facilities, designated recovery areas, and potential saltwater recovery zones.

Bidder Requirements
Respondents must provide company name, mailing and overnight addresses, CAGE code, phone number, and unclassified and SIPRNet e-mail for a point of contact.

Respondents must declare socio-economic status (Large Business, Small Business, Small Disadvantaged, Woman-Owned, HUBZone, Veteran-Owned, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned) and Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence (FOCI) status.

Respondents must describe current facility and storage clearances, outline capabilities, facilities, and relevant experience in design, production, and logistics support.

Proprietary data must be clearly marked.

Unclassified submissions via DoD Safe; classified responses contact the Contract Specialist.