The USAF is considering re-opening a competition for its Agent Defeat Warhead (ADW) programme after the first round, for initial development and demonstration, failed to attract bids "of sufficient merit to warrant an award".
In March, the Air Force Research Laboratory's Munitions Directorate at Eglin AFB, Florida, sought technical and cost proposals from US aerospace companies for ADW concepts. Bids were due by 29 April, with the contract to be awarded before 30 September this year.
Project officials have decided that none of the bids is viable, and say: "The acquisition strategy for this programme is under re-evaluation." Officials suggest that the programme's technical objectives may be revised, but it is unclear when the USAF would re-open bidding for a revamped ADW development.
As originally envisioned, ADW would be fitted to 900kg (1,980lb) guided air-to-surface munitions. Agent Defeat would be used to attack fixed, soft and hard ground targets associated with the development, production and storage of chemical and biological weapons.
The ADW is intended to neutralise targets without dispersing toxic materials. The USAF left it up to the bidders to devise appropriate "kill mechanisms", including low-blast fragmenting warheads, neutralising chemicals and high-temperature incendiary devices.
The Gulf War in 1991 highlighted the need for a weapon capable of knocking out chemical and biological agent production sites and stockpiles without collateral damage.
The Munitions Directorate earmarked $16 million for the ADW demonstration, but saw its funding slashed to $7.3 million, resulting in a research programme stretching out at least 42 months.
Source: Flight International
