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.”