Navy extends request for contractor-operated electronic warfare jets

The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) has extended the due date for proposals to acquire contractor-owned and operated electronic warfare jet services.

The Navy first invited contractors to submit proposals in October with a due date of Nov. 28.

On Wednesday, NAVAIR, located in Patuxent, Md., announced they have extended the original due date to Jan. 4.

This acquisition is anticipated to be awarded as an Indefinite Delivery / Indefinite Quantity type contract with a firm fixed price for four years, the Navy said in contract documents.

The contract is being managed by NAVAIR’s Specialized and Proven Aircraft Program Office (PMA-226) Contracted Air Services program.

PMA-226 is responsible for the following platforms and services: Adversary Aircraft (F-5, F-16); Contracted Aircraft Services; U.S. Naval Test Pilot School / Naval Postgraduate School T-38, H-72, X-26, U-6, NU-1B, O-2, OH-58C; and Out of Active Navy Inventory Aircraft T-2, H-2, H-3, A-4.

Additional details and documents related to the contract are not publicly available.

The U.S. military routinely hires contractor aircraft to act as aggressors and participate in training, research, and development programs.

Single-Engine Plane Crash Near Warrenton, VA

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating a single-engine plane crash near Warrenton, Va.

The NTSB identified the aircraft as a Beech C23 (tail number N76SB) that crashed on Sunday, according to a post on X (formerly Twitter).

Also known as a Sundowner, the Beech C23 is a four-seat aircraft that started flying in the 1970s. The Beech C23 that crashed on Sunday was manufactured in 1975.

The aircraft departed Warrenton-Fauquier Airport at approximately 1:08 p.m. EST and performed a local flight. The aircraft returned to land at about 3:50 p.m.

Several news reports indicate the aircraft crashed during landing after striking a few trees and burst into flames killing the pilot.

Federal Aviation Administration records show the plane is registered with Dr. Simmie A. Adams of Bealton, Va. It has been confirmed that Dr. Adams was the pilot on Sunday and the only one aboard the plane. Adams died on the scene.

The website Aircraft.com shows N76SB was up for sale with an asking price of $126,500. The listing is undated.

The aircraft is also featured in a YouTube video uploaded by horsemoney in January 2023.