MH-139 Color Weather Radar System

updated to correct date of

24 Jul 2026 This Request for Information (RFI) is issued for informational and market research purposes only in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 10. It does not constitute a solicitation, a Request for Proposal (RFP), or a promise to issue an RFP in the future. The Government will not reimburse any company or individual for expenses associated with preparing or submitting information in response to this RFI. The information provided may be used by the U.S. Air Force in developing its acquisition strategy, Statement of Work (SOW), and performance specifications. Interested parties are responsible for adequately marking proprietary or competition-sensitive information.

BACKGROUND AND SCOPE The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), MH-139A Program Office (AFLCMC/WIH), is conducting market research to identify sources capable of designing, integrating, and testing a Color Weather Radar (CWR) with ground mapping capabilities for the MH-139A aircraft. The MH-139A operates in locations where extreme, sudden, and un-forecasted weather (including thunderstorms, hail, and snow) are common. The aircraft is regularly flown in low-visibility and marginal weather to support the nuclear security mission. The current lightning detection system is considered a secondary tool and is insufficient as a primary means of weather avoidance. The

objective is to install a CWR with ground mapping to allow for continued mission execution in deteriorating weather, ensuring the MH-139A can meet mission

requirements to execute operations immediately upon notification. Key

requirements for the system include: System Functionality: The system must be a Color Weather Radar (CWR) with ground mapping capabilities. System Compatibility: Maintain full functionality of existing aircraft subsystems. The solution should feature an integrated, real-time display in the cockpit. Airworthiness: The system must be capable of obtaining an FAA-approved Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the modification. All components must meet or exceed relevant military and civil airworthiness standards. Technology Readiness: The proposed solution should be commercially available or within the military supply system, non-developmental, rapidly acquirable, and have a proven record of use in DoD and/or civil aviation. Respondents shall explicitly state whether their proposed solution is currently or has previously been integrated on the AW-139 or any of its variants. If so, provide details of that integration, including the specific variant, the certifying authority (e.g., Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)), and the year of certification. Support: Provide on-site technical support during initial installation and testing, followed by subject matter expert support for a defined post-integration period. INSTRUCTION TO POTENTIAL RESPONDENTS Respondents are encouraged to provide comprehensive responses that demonstrate existing technology, qualifications, and experience. Please structure your response to address the following sections: