U.S. AIR FORCE RESEARCH LABORATORY ISSUES RFP FOR LANCE HIGH-ENERGY AIRBORNE LASER
An Early USAF in Airborne Lasers, LANCE Will Be Podded
Source: Boeing Corporation Press Center
NEWTOWN, Conn. - The U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory, Directed Energy Directorate, Laser Division has released an RFP for its Laser Advancements for Next-Generation Compact Environments (LANCE) program. The LANCE program goal is to execute the R&D necessary to design, fabricate, and deliver a reliable and rugged high-power laser for integration within an aerodynamic integrating structure - such as a pod - for use during flight testing on an aircraft testbed during Phase II of the Self-protect High Energy Laser Demonstrator (SHield) Advanced Technology Demonstrator (ATD) program. The SHiELD ATD program's goal is to develop, demonstrate, and assess a high energy laser system's effectiveness against relevant airborne threats, including efforts in both the laser and the aero-effects sides.
The AFRL's LANCE award will carry an estimated project cost of $35 million spread from FY17 through FY21. However, this is an estimate only and not an obligation from the bidder to meet that cost. The LANCE RFP carries the solicitation number FA9451-17-S-0008 and is posted to the U.S. FedBizOpps.gov website. Proposals are due February 22, 2017.