Air Force investigating upgrade for F-16 Thunderbirds flight control computer

The Air Force is seeking information on a sustainment upgrade for the current F-16 Thunderbirds Block 52 Digital Flight Control Computer (DFLCC), according to contract documents released Friday. The project is being managed by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Fighter/Bomber Directorate, F-16 Program Contracting Office, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio.

The DFLCC provides the ability to manage control surface inputs, change gains for different flight phases and processes signals from air data and other sources in controlling the aircraft, The government is investigating the possibility of initiating a USAF Thunderbird F-16 DFLCC modification. The upgraded DFLCC is required to address the rudder restriction in the current -12 DFLCC Thunderbird configuration in order to allow the current show profile to be flown.

The Air Force is conducting a market assessment to identify potential sources, and companies that may possess the expertise, capabilities, and experience to respond to the requirements, officials said in contract documents. “This announcement constitutes a purpose of conducting market research only. No solicitation exists. This is not a request for a quote, request for proposal, or an invitation to bid.”

Air Force to re-compete Alaska Radar System maintenance contract

The U.S. Air Force (USAF) plans to release a formal Request for Proposal next month regarding operations and maintenance services for the Alaska Radar System at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. [Full story]

Receive DCNewsroom email alerts, subscribe here.

Air Force QF-4 aerial target drone crashes in Florida

U.S. Highway 98 from Tyndall Air Force Base to Mexico Beach in Florida is expected to remain closed until mid-day Thursday as a result of an unmanned Air Force QF-4 full scale aerial target drone that crashed.

"This closure is being done strictly as a precautionary measure due to fires resulting from the crash and a small self-destruct charge carried on board the target," said Col. William Grund, 325th Mission Support Group commander. "We understand that the closure of U.S. Highway 98 is a huge inconvenience to our local community, but we ask for everyone's patience and understanding as we work to secure the area and maintain safety."

The status of this device is unknown; however it is powered by a short-life battery which will be fully depleted in 24 hours, at which time the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team can go out and secure the site. The charge is used to destroy the target if it leaves its pre-approved flight plan.

Follow DCNewsroom on Twitter and Facebook.