DIGITAL STABILITY AUGMENTATION SYSTEM AND AUTOMATIC FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM FOR F-5 AIRCRAFT

Background The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), PMA-226 Adversary and Specialized Aircraft, Integrated Product Team (IPT), is considering procurement of American Systems Model Number AS2100 Digital Stability Augmentation System (DSAS) flight computer adapted for the F-5N/F platform and Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS) capability. The F-5 is a highly maneuverable tactical fighter critical supporting adversary training missions. To sustain its operational effectiveness and ensure the safety of its aircrews, continuous modernization of its avionics and flight control systems is required. Currently, the F-5 exhibits inherent aerodynamic characteristics that necessitate continuous active pilot engagement to maintain stable flight; specifically, without constant pilot input, the aircraft tends to depart controlled flight and enter an inverted dive. This characteristic significantly increases pilot workload and presents a critical safety risk, detracting from the pilot's ability to focus on complex mission tasks. To mitigate these risks, reduce pilot workload, and enhance overall mission effectiveness, the Government is seeking industry sources capable of developing, testing, and integrating an adaptation to the American Systems AS2100 DSAS flight computer with AFCS capability. This upgrade will consist of new DSAS flight computer software and an AFCS specific to the F-5N/F aircraft. The proposed adaptation to the AS2100 DSAS must be capable of processing primary flight control inputs and communicating directly with the aircraft's actuators to enhance the platform's aerodynamic stability. Working in conjunction with the AS2100 DSAS, the AFCS will provide automated flight control capabilities. This integration will alleviate the burden of continuous manual attitude correction, thereby allowing pilots to safely and effectively complete mission tasks without the risk of uncontrolled attitude deviations. The purpose of this Sources Sought is to identify qualified indu