Intuitive/Sierra Nevada named as JSTARS bidders

The previously unknown fourth bidder in the JSTARS competition has been named as Sierra Nevada and Intuitive, with Intuitive being the lead. They refused to release any details, even on the platform type, as losing the risk reduction contract doesn't preclude bidding on the full development contract when that becomes available. Possible platforms include an Embraer business jet, possibly the Lineage 1000, or one of the larger Legacy platforms. Or maybe even the Dornier 328Jet regional airliner that they've talked about restarting.

Sierra Nevada Corporation has been revealed as the fourth contender for the US Air Force’s Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS) Recapitalization programme, confirming to Flightglobal that it partnered with Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation to offer a replacement for the radar-carrying E-8C.

The USAF awarded contracts to Boeing, Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin for a risk-reduction programme leading into the main competition and downselect in 2017, but the service’s 7 August contract notice noted that four offers were received.

Unlike its rivals, who revealed their competing designs and teaming arrangements prior to the announcement, SNC kept quiet and still remains tight-lipped even after being sidelined, perhaps because losing the risk-reduction contract does not prevent the company from competing for the full development contract later.

www.flightglobal.com...

a reply to: Zaphod58

Seems like SNC might be a come from behind underdog here. They have lots of experience with USAF contracts, especially on the DO-328 platform.

a reply to: justwanttofly

It'll be interesting to see the full development bid when that rolls around.

a reply to: justwanttofly

Or not. Lockheed just announced that SNC has joined their group. They will perform modifications and airworthiness on the Global 6000 that Lockheed plans to use.

news.lockheedmartin.com... s_117

Has NG put in a bid with their C4ISR program?

a reply to: Blackfinger

They haven't announced details of the bids. Northrop and Raytheon are both developing the radar systems for the aircraft, and Northrop is bidding an aircraft as well.