This is a request for information only. Presently no solicitation package is available. The Naval Air Systems Command, Lakehurst, is seeking sources that may be capable of providing a portable swaging tool for applying terminals to arresting gear cables aboard aircraft carriers. The arresting gear system aboard aircraft carriers relies on a purchase cable to transfer the energy from the landing aircraft to the arresting gear engines located below the deck. Each end of the purchase cable is fitted with a terminal. The purchase cable terminal on the top, deck end connects to the cross deck pendant, which is engaged by the landing aircraft’s tailhook. On the opposite end, the terminal connects the purchase cable to the arresting engine. The purchase cable terminal is considered a critical safety item. The failure of a terminal during an aircraft arrestment could result in the loss of life, the loss of an aircraft, or both. After replacement (or “rereeve”) of the purchase cable, the sailors need to attach the terminal on the flight deck in order to connect the purchase cable with the cross deck pendant. The current process, which requires the sailor to pour molten zinc into the socket terminal, is toxic, hazardous and time consuming. The Navy is interested in a portable swaging tool that could be used to attach the terminal to the purchase cable. It is important that the swaging device be able to apply enough force for a secure attachment that survives continuous arrestments throughout the cable’s service life, and yet be small and lightweight enough to be easily transported up to and around the carrier flight deck. The wire arresting gear rope is 1 7/8 inch diameter, lang lay steel with a polyester core. Breaking strength is 215,000 lbs, and operational life of the cable is 3000 cycles. For terminal attachments at our shore-based facility, we use a linear - 3000 Ton swaging machine, and press our terminals starting at 1125 PSI (700 tons) up to 3535 PSI (2200 tons). For solutions that are commercial-off-the-shelf, please provide a picture, unit cost, and specifications to include dimensions, weight, and pressing capacity (pounds per square inch). For ideas that require development, please provide proposed concept/approach and work plan to include funding requested and milestones. The response shall be in white paper (summary) format, no greater than five (5) pages, along with any supporting data/material, which shall not exceed a total of twenty-five (25) pages. Paper submissions shall be sent to NAWC Contracts Dept, Attn: Jessica Schoenleber, Hwy 547, Lakehurst, NJ 08733. Electronic submissions are preferred. Electronic submissions shall be sent to
[email protected] Subject line: Portable Swager RFI. The Government will not pay for any information received in response to this request nor will the Government compensate any respondent for any cost incurred in developing the information provided to the Government. Responses should cite RFI number N68335-05-RFI-Swager and be addressed the attention of Ms. Jessica Schoenleber, Code 2.5.2.3.2.JS,
[email protected]. All responses are due by (4:00PM EST) on 22 June 2005