A Higher-Tech Hog: The A-10C PE Program
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The Precision Engagement modification is the largest single upgrade effort ever undertaken for the USA’s unique A-10 “Warthog” close air support aircraft fleet. when complete, it will give them precision strike capability sooner than planned, combining multiple upgrade requirements into one time and money-saving program rather than executing them as standalone projects. Indeed, the USAF has accelerated the PE program by 9 months as a result of its experiences in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The entire A-10 fleet will be modified over 4-5 years, at an estimated total cost of $420 million. While existing A/OA-10 aircraft continue to outperform technology-packed rivals on the battlefield, this set of upgrades is expected to make them more flexible, and help keep the aircraft current until the fleet’s planned phase-out in 2028. A multi-billion dollar wing replacement program will supplement the technology upgrades, and more technology inserts and structural modifications may be on the way. Overall, an April 2/07 GAO report places the potential total cost of upgrades, refurbishment, and service life extension plans for the A/OA-10 force at up to $4.4 billion.
This is DID’s FOCUS Article for the PE program, and for other modifications to the A-10 fleet. It covers the A-10’s battlefield performance and advantages, the elements of the PE program, other planned modifications, and the contracts that have been issued each step of the way.
In the latest updates, the A-10C program’s re-winging effort has just become a higher priority, as wing cracking causes USAF officials to continue inspection and repair of the A-10 fleet. The USAF is working to distribute that capability more widely, even as the A-10C fleet qualifies a new weapon…
- A/OA-10 Thunderbolt II: Experiences on the Ground
- The A/OA-10 Precision Engagement Modification Program
- A-10 PE, Other Planned Improvements
- Contracts & Key Events [updated]
- Additional Readings & Sources
Displaying 307 of 6,402 words (about 17 pages)
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