Request For Information Posted Last Month

The U.S. Air Force has requested information concerning the acquisition of 22 AC-208 armed ISR aircraft for U.S. allies.

The Request for Information (RFI) states "The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance and Special Operations Forces (ISR/SOF) Sensors, Foreign Military Sales (AFLCMC/WINI) is conducting market research to identify potential sources" who may provide the airplanes.

Janes reports that the RFI specifies 22 aircraft equipped with a WESCAM MX-15D EO/IR Sensor (with laser target designator and real-time image downlink to ground forces); a Harris RF-7800M-MP multiband radio set; as well as BAE Systems Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) guided rockets. The APKWS will be certified through a USAF process known as Seek Eagle, whereby the service certifies that weapons can be carried and separate safely from an aircraft, and that they can hit the target. It should also come equipped with a mission system control/display/recording/processing node with post mission recorded data transfer to ground node capability.

No delivery timeline is specified in the document.

The AC-208 is a Cessna C-208B Grand Caravan that has been modified under a contract with Orbital ATK for military use. The company recently upgraded the airplane to a Block 2 standard, which has been designated "Eliminator".

The Block 2 aircraft has an increased weapons capacity. According to ATK, the Eliminator can carry Dual Rail HELLFIRE Missiles (AGM-114),  two missiles per wing 2.75, and Rocket Pods (APKWS, GATR or other guided rockets); one pod per wing.

(Image from file)

FMI: Original report