Arc Heater Specialized Parts- Mission Critical
The Air Force Test Center at Arnold Air Force Base, TN, is seeking sources capable of manufacturing and delivering specialized arc heater components for a potential sole-source contract to support hypersonic testing. The need is for an estimated 3,727 'H1' type components and 14,623 'H2' and 'H3' type components over a five-year ordering period. These components must be made from OFHC copper and withstand extreme temperatures up to 6,649°C, pressures of 170 atmospheres, and internal water-cooling pressures of 1,000 PSI. The requirement is driven by increased demand from mission-essential testing and new facilities. This is a follow-on to a predecessor contract whose ceiling is nearly exhausted.