Advanced Composite Development Challenges (ACDC)

Background
The solicitation is for the Advanced Composite Development Challenges (ACDC) program, which is a research and development program for Applied Research and Advanced Technology Development to investigate and demonstrate structures technologies to meet the needs of Future Vertical Lift (FVL), including Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA), Future Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (FTUAS), and the enduring fleet manned and unmanned vehicles. The technology will enable mission success across FVL platforms, manned or unmanned, in multidomain operations (MDO), by enabling structural components to be lighter, stronger, and more durable while still being amenable to the aviation manufacturing environment.

Work Details
The work involves developing weight-efficient methods for improving the interlaminar mechanical properties of existing continuous carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRPs) that are integrable with the existing lamination production processes of two or more existing composite material systems. The scope of the project includes designing a manufacturing process that advances the technology and demonstrates fabrication and testing of baseline and enhanced coupons, components in simplified loading environments, and components in relevant loading environments. The proposed technology solution will advance at least one Technical Objective primarily or secondarily impacted by structures technology. The proposal should define a relevant baseline in sufficient detail that the benefits and adverse effects of implementing the technology can be quantified in terms of impacts to the Technical Objectives.

Period of Performance
The anticipated award date is August 2024, subject to the availability of funds. The period of performance for ACDC research efforts is not to exceed 32 months total (30 months for technical effort and two months for data/final reporting).

Place of Performance
The work will be performed at Offeror’s designated facility.