Air Force takes first step in replacing obsolete CRT displays in F-15E jet fighter-bomber
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga., 21 Feb. 2013. U.S. Air Force avionics experts are taking the first steps in replacing obsolescent displays based on cathode ray tube (CRT) technology in the Boeing F-15E jet fighter-bomber with contemporary technology such as liquid crystal displays (LCDs) or other flat-panel technology.
Experts at the Air Force Warner Robins Air Logistics Center at Robins Air Force Base, Ga., have issued a sources-sought notice (FA8538-F15-MPD) for the F-15E MPD Replacement program, which seeks to develop and build a form, fit, function, and interface replacement for the F-15E multi-purpose display (MPD).
The project calls for eliminating obsolescent or otherwise-troublesome technology in the MPD such as CRT avionics display technology and high-voltage components. The replacement display must not affect the present MPD interaction with the Boeing advanced display core processor (ADCP) or change the operational flight program, Air Force officials say.
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The MPD replacement should use current technology, reduce total part count, improve reliability, and eliminate all component obsolescence utilizing obsolescence models and other pertinent data. The new display also should retain the MPD's current form and fit factor in the aircraft.
The sources-sought notice is a market survey to identify suppliers with the necessary expertise, capabilities, and experience to develop a replacement MPD for the F-15E.
Although this sources-sought notice potentially is a first step toward a formal program to develop new MPDs for the F-15E fighter-bomber, the notice is not a guarantee of a formal solicitation, and is not yet an invitation for bids, Air Force officials point out.
Should a replacement program move forward, Air Force officials say they expect to ask the winning bidder to build four pre-production prototype MPDs for qualification testing.
In 1998 Boeing demonstrated an up-to-date advanced display core processor in F-15E with a commercially based processor and display. The ADCP replaced the central computer and multi-purpose display processor in the F-15E.
The ADCP program involved the Boeing Phantom Works in St. Louis; Honeywell Defense Avionics Systems in Albuquerque, N.M.; and General Dynamics Information Systems in Fairfax, Va.
Companies interested in participating in the F-15E MPD Replacement program market survey should respond no later than 13 March 2013. To begin, fill out a contractor capability survey, which is available online at https://www.fbo.gov/utils/view?id=3b79c806d857ecddcfe7f8dea15b757a.
For questions or concerns contact the Air Force's Mike Shelley by phone at 478-926-2231, or by email at [email protected].
More information is online at https://www.fbo.gov/spg/USAF/AFMC/WRALC/FA8538-F15-MPD/listing.html.
John Keller | Editor
John Keller is editor-in-chief of Military & Aerospace Electronics magazine, which provides extensive coverage and analysis of enabling electronic and optoelectronic technologies in military, space, and commercial aviation applications. A member of the Military & Aerospace Electronics staff since the magazine's founding in 1989, Mr. Keller took over as chief editor in 1995.
