The Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) is in search of vendors that can provide Weather Analysis and Survivability Prediction (WAASP) software to inform launch decisions based on real-time meteorological conditions.
According to a recent sources sought notice, RCCTO is seeking a provider of WAASP software capabilities specifically for “Hypersonic Joint Flight Campaign Testing – which essentially involves developing and accessing technologies that can travel five or more times the speed of sound.”
The WAASP software enables decision-makers to make a vehicle survivability assessment when direct ground-based radar measurements are not available. Previously the WAASP software estimated the potential impact of weather on different vehicles’ performance using ground-based radar data.
“Interested sources would need to demonstrate the technical capability, corporate knowledge, and experience in providing all technical expertise in order to use and sustain the WAASP System,” the notice says.
While the RCCTO believes that Lockheed Martin Corporation is the only responsible source capable of providing this software within the required schedule and budget, the notice does point out the office will review other possible providers by April 15, before they deliver the award.