Army issues RFI for Gray Eagle data links and modification kits

The Army has released a request for information for the MQ-1C Gray Eagle extended range aircraft's full-rate production phase.

A Jan. 9 Army notice states the service is seeking white papers for modernized data links and avionics modification kits that consist of aircraft and ground data link components. The service wants to acquire "an overall system architect, and/or vendors that can provide systems subcomponents to include modems, encryption, amplifiers, antenna terminals, et cetera," according to the notice.

Examples of data link modification kits for the MQ-1C Gray Eagle include airborne satellite communications ground data terminals, airborne line-of-sight modification kits and ground SATCOM kits, while avionics systems include flight control modules, interface control modules, network attached storage and complex instruction set computers.

Following a review of white papers, the service intends to award a contract for production of up to 51 MQ-1C Gray Eagle extended range aircraft, 152 aircraft data link modification kits, 152 aircraft avionics modification kits and 45 ground data link modification kits.

Responses are due Feb. 7.