16 -- Automated Wiring Analysis (AWA) system

The Naval Air Systems Command intends to negotiate and award a sole source Firm Fixed Price contract for the H-53 AWA system with Eclypse International Corporation. This contract action will include the procurement of qualified production kits, spares and any associated non-recurring engineering. Description: The Automated Wiring Analysis (AWA) system is required to aid in identification, troubleshooting, and maintenance of wiring issues on the H-53 helicopter. The H-53 AWA system will pinpoint wiring failures, such as chafing, arcs, and breaks to help maintainers find the fault quickly and accurately. The system is a multi-point system-level automated wiring tester based upon the RTS-501 wiring test suite. This equipment suite was previously validated for the H-53 through development efforts undergone in contract N00421-04-D-0089. The RTS-501 wiring test suite offers the ability to quickly assess wiring systems, identify faults along the conductive path, and locate those faults within ?5% of the wiring length. The system is intended for use at the H-53 organizational, intermediate, and depot levels of maintenance. The test suite interfaces directly with H-53 aircraft wiring using interface test adapters (ITA) to connect with individual aircraft wiring harnesses. The AWA system will significantly reduce the maintenance man-hours spent troubleshooting wiring issues and will help mitigate current safety issues associated with Kapton insulated wiring. Numbered Notes 22 and 26 apply.