USAF’s RFI sets off a fierce chase !
by GUY MIDKIFF
http://www.microjetsinc.com March 5, 2006
February 2006 – Having announced a “Capability Request For Information,” the United States Airforce (USAF) is about to begin an evaluation of the Very Light Jet (VLJ) for specific military applications sometime in 2006.
This announcement has got all VLJ Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) clamoring for admission. Just as Microsoft reaped early market synergies by delivering the first computer operation system to the masses, it is expected that similar rewards will be foisted on the first-to-play VLJ Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).
After a fantastic 2005, during which they received the Collier Trophy for the greatest achievement in aeronautics in America, Eclipse Aviation of Albuquerque, New Mexico, leads the VLJ race. Presently engaged in flight testing a small fleet of VLJs, Eclipse are confident of FAA certification mid-2006.
The United States Airforce’s announcement comes due to exhilarating possibilities open to Very Light Jets in military applications. Not just economical, these turbojets would serve utilitarian purposes and tactical missions equally.
Edwards AFB is the venue for flight tests that evaluate the jets for a large variety of flying missions — transport, courier rolls, training pilots and navigators, homeland security, surveillance, target tow for gunnery practice and weapon systems platforming.
Eclipse’s business strategy depends primarily on a very vigorous aircraft production schedule. If they prove themselves worthy of the USAF’s contract, and production rates work out as predicted, Eclipse could become as much a force to reckon with as Lier or Cessna.
Nevertheless, the capability request for information issued by the USAF depends on assessment results as well as numerous others such as the mission performance assessments, Air Force operational requirement analysis and determinations.
It is also possible that leasing or purchasing agreements in the future permit temporary or permanent modifications with mission and or instrumentation equipment for the extensive evaluations that are no doubt needed. However, these extensive evaluations would most likely be conducted only after the FAA type certification of the particular aircraft under evaluation. This confirms that timing is dependent on the certification status.
With windows of opportunity being wide open, it is the early bird that gets lucky with a USAF viable VLJ.
Noelle Spalding is the military point of contact and can be reached at (937) 255-7210 ext. 3108 or email: noelle.spalding@wpafb.af.mil. On the world wide web at www.pixs.wpafb.af.mil/pixs_solicitation.asp?id=4263 .
Michael Press, President of SPJM, LLC, consults for and provides extensive senior level contacts within the military for companies interested in becoming a military contractor of VLJs.
