Arc Heater Specialized Parts - Mission Critical

2026-11-03

This is a Request for Information ( RFI ) issued by the Air Force Test Center ( AFTC ) at Arnold Air Force Base ( AAFB ), TN . In accordance with Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement ( DFARS ) Procedures , Guidance , and Information ( PGI ) 206 . 302 - 1 ( d ), this notice is posted to identify responsible sources capable of manufacturing and delivering arc heater components to support a potential sole - source , follow - on Indefinite Delivery / Indefinite Quantity ( ID / IQ ) contract . The Arnold Engineering Development Complex ( AEDC ) requires a continuous supply of specialized arc heater components to support mission - essential hypersonic testing and reentry programs in its High - Temperature Lab ( HTL ) facilities . These operations are vital to national defense and support a wide range of stakeholders including U . S . Air Force and commercial space industry partners . Demand for these components is significantly increasing due to a high operational tempo and the stand - up of new test facilities , which will increase the number of active segmented arc heaters . The predecessor ID / IQ contract , FA910121D0001 , has reached the end of its ordering period with its ceiling nearly exhausted due to this increased demand . The arc heater components must be manufactured to exacting specifications to survive the extreme operational environment . Key technical characteristics include : Material : Oxygen - Free High Conductivity ( OFHC ) copperPerformance : Must withstand temperatures up to 13 , 000 ° R ( 6 , 649 ° C ), gas pressures of 170 atmospheres ( atms ), and internal water - cooling pressures of 1 , 000 pounds per square inch ( PSI ) without deformationManufacturing : Components must be accurately machined and brazed , free from any microscopic obstructions or defectsThe Government ’ s need is for an estimated 3 , 727 ‘ H1 ’ type arc heater components and 14 , 623 ‘ H2 ’ and ‘ H3 ’ type arc heater components over a five - year ordering period .

Tennessee

2026-05-15