The Department of Defense, specifically the United States Air Force, is seeking innovative solutions for the development of an omni-directional aircraft mover designed for F-16 aircraft. The primary objective is to create a system that allows for the movement of aircraft in all directions, facilitating operations in maintenance and repair environments, particularly during corrosion control activities, while reducing the need for extensive tow lanes. This technology aims to enhance the accuracy of aircraft placement for automated tooling processes, addressing limitations of traditional aircraft tugs. The solicitation is currently open, with proposals due by June 25, 2025. Interested parties can find more information and submit their applications through the provided links.

OUSD (R&E) CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Advanced Infrastructure & Advanced Manufacturing; Human-Machine Interfaces The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with the Announcement. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws. OBJECTIVE: Moving aircraft in all directions regardless of the direction the aircraft is facing for moving aircraft into docks and paint bays with little or no tow lane. DESCRIPTION: Aircraft maintenance and repair operations often require frequent movements between locations for various stages of the process, particularly during corrosion control activities. Traditional aircraft tugs are typically used to move the aircraft between locations but result in limitations due to turning radii and operator skill. As processes become increasingly automated, aircraft are required to be placed accurately relative to automated tooling. Accurate placement is a challenge with current technology. Using a multi-directional aircraft mover would reduce to lanes by up to 50% percent and allow for precise location of aircraft for robotic and other automated activities. PHASE I: The previous efforts were testing robotic and remote-control vehicles, but none were used to carry an aircraft in omni-directional paths. Commercially available systems are available for cars, but none have the capability to carry an aircraft. In discovery we found a Hilti Aircraft Cradle and a Tow Flex. Both types of systems are used in depot maintenance of aircraft. The omni directional aircraft mover would combine both systems by making a powered base similar to the Tow flex except that it could move in all directions like a robotic base with a cradle system that would hold the aircraft with the gear up or down. PHASE II: The previous efforts were testing robotic and remote-control vehicles, but none were used to carry an aircraft in omni-directional paths. Commercially available systems are available for cars, but none have the capability to carry an aircraft. This project would need to be strengthened compared to the automotive version. It would also need to be able to work seamlessly to not put any undo stress on the aircraft in directions that the aircraft is not designed for. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: If successful, it is expected that phase 3 would be to use CIP dollars to procure multiples of these systems. They could be used in all depots and possibly even in field units. REFERENCES: 1. OO-ALC/309 AMXG aircraft moving specs KEYWORDS: Aircraft moving; Aircraft Tug; Omni-Directional; Robotic: Remote-control

Omni directional aircraft mover for F-16

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