Request for Information (RFI)

The F-16 Systems Program Office (SPO) is looking for COTs hardware solutions to securely connect to satellite constellations in support of USAF operations. The SPO is currently in discovery mode of potential COTs solutions to meet a test requirement to integrate custom hardware onto an aircraft and demonstrate the transfer of data from a forward base to the aircraft in flight.

With the constraints space on the F-16 aircraft there are requirements needed for potential solutions but looking to discuss with vendors on how their solution could be applicable to the F-16 SPO needs. The Antenna solution should have a power of less than 600W, download speeds of 100 MBps and Upload speeds of 10 MBps. The solution should support constellation connections at the Ku/Ka band. Ideal constellation connections include (but not limited to) LEO, MEO, GEO, Space X, Wideband Global Satcom (WGS) utilizing the Protected Tactical Waveform (PTW), and DoD Protected Tactical Satellites. The SPO is interested in solutions that connect to singular constellations as well as multi-constellation connection solutions.

The solution should be air cooled and must fit within the Tail Root section of an F-16 aircraft, weigh less than 50 lbs, and reside in the voltage space of 115 – 400 hz 3 phase. The solution should also have ethernet connectivity at 1 Gbps and support voice and data. The following guidelines should also be followed: Environment - 16PS011E + Tab Temp Altitude (-55 deg C ambient) and EMI/EMC MIL-STD-461.

Solution packages (antenna/modem/encryptor, etc) should include encryption, power conditioning, and colling. The F-16 SPO is interested in integrated solutions onto the aircraft in the Tail Root section but if there are open to additional locations as a possibility. See attachments for ROUGH root tail dimensions available.

Product Service Codes are believed to be AD93/AD94