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.”
Northrop Grumman Corp. announced Monday that it has appointed Kevin Bell corporate lead executive for company business in Dayton. Bell reports to Timothy Jones, vice president, aviation and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.
In his new role, Bell represents the company to customers in the Dayton region including those at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory and the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center.
Bell has supported Northrop Grumman customers in Dayton as a business development representative and a sector lead executive. Prior to joining Northrop Grumman, he served more than 26 years in the Air Force, retiring as assistant to the commander, Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright Patterson Air Force Base. His extensive and successful Air Force acquisition experience includes assignments as the senior acquisition adviser to the Office of Military Cooperation-Afghanistan, system program director for the KC-767 Aerial Refueling Tanker Lease Program and director of the F/A-22 Fighter Aircraft Engine Program.
Bell earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from Valdosta State College, Valdosta, Ga., and a master's degree in management from Troy State University, Troy, Ala. He also attended the Air War College, and Air Command and Staff College.
