Posted on 01/20/2008 7:01:59 AM PST by Excuse_My_Bellicosity
1/18/2008 - Hill AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- An upgraded A-10 Thunderbolt II, which took off in early January for Moody Air Force Base, Ga., represents another production milestone for the Air Force.
Aircraft 80-0172 is the 100th A-10 to go through the Precision Engagement program, started in the 309th Aircraft Maintenance Group in July 2006. On average, the 571st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron technicians are upgrading each A-10 aircraft to the new A-10C configuration in less than 90 days.
"The 571st mechanics are successfully executing the A-10 Precision Engagement program," said Greg Hoffman, the 571st AMXS director. "While our overall modification time has been reduced, the increase in positive feedback from our warfighting customers has been our biggest success. Without giving them a quality aircraft to carry out their mission, we would have failed. The program was a challenge from the start, but with the support of Team Hill, to include our Lockheed Martin prime contractor, we have been able to get better each day.
The upgrade to the 100th aircraft, first built in 1980, will extend its service life for at least another 20 years. The aircraft was in the Pope AFB, N.C., inventory before the modification and transfers to Moody AFB as part of the base realignment and closure recommendations.
Precision Engagement evolved by merging several smaller, funded programs, into one large modification. The combination saved money for development, testing and installation previously done separately. The A-10C has a number of avionics and weapons system upgrades, designed to extend its service life until 2028.
The modification includes a totally redesigned main instrument panel, smart weapons capabilities, and aircraft DC power upgrades. The A-10C cockpit receives two 5-by-5-inch multifunction color displays, a hands-on stick and throttle system with a modified F-15E Strike Eagle right throttle grip, and a modified F-16 Fighting Falcon control stick grip. Other cockpit items include an upfront controller, new armament heads-up display control panel, and a redesigned main instrument panel.
Modified aircraft can now carry both the LITENING II and Sniper laser targeting pods, and have Joint Direct Attack Munitions and Wind Corrected Munitions Dispenser capabilities. The direct current power will be doubled and a more powerful computer will be added to the Low Altitude Safety and Targeting Enhancement system.
The A-10C has proven itself a formidable asset in the war on terror, Mr. Hoffman said, as the Air National Guard's 175th Fighter Wing from Baltimore, Md., deployed the modified aircraft to Iraq in September. Within hours of arrival, the new systems were put to the test by successfully destroying an insurgent safe house with a global positioning system-guided munitions system.
"You just can't get more proof that what you have done matters than to see the true end result of your efforts," Mr. Hoffman said.
what a warbird.
One of the best experiences of my life was driving out in rural Kansas, near Wichita and McConnell AFB. An air show was scheduled later that week. For some reason 4 A10s coming in to the base decided to buzz my car. That was a total blast.
I’m glad they are updating and keeping the A-10. There’s really nothing else quite like it. It’s a big gun that flies right up your ***.
OMG, an A-10 that is MORE accurate. Just what a Jihadi wants to hear about.
‘You can run, but you’ll only die in small pieces.’
I used to work across the street from the main airport in Madison, WI. A-10s would come in and out of there pretty frequently. I just looks lethal, even when it’s parked.
Best Motto in the Air Force - “Go Ugly Early”. Gotta love it.
25 years ago I used to often drive between Port St. Lucie and Sebring Florida.
Many times two A-10s would come up frome behind me and crisscross as they practiced targeting.
They’d roar by and I’d wave and they usually crisscrossed again after they’d passed.
Rhat a feeling.:-)
I had a very similar experience when I was honeymooning in the Panhandle with the Mrs.
Two A-10s in formation pulled off a perfect 560 helix right around us on the beach (to get a better look at my gorgeous blonde wife) before powering off into the Gulf. We were the only two people on the beach (that's why it's called the Forgotten Coast).
How do those pilots know to pick the A-10 fans!
I recall reading (like it was yesterday) that the A-10 Thunderbolt II (aka Warthog) was supposed to be retired from service after GWI because it was "obsolete". I thought whatta ya nutz, it's a tank with wings. Kind of like its original namesake the P47 Thunderbolt.
Actually, it's pretty easy. Anyone not wearing tie-dye or code-pink pink is an A-10 fan!
Go Ugly Early!
I live right under Hill AFB’s landing pattern, so I get an airshow every day. Pretty cool.
Perhaps you mean the F-111 Aardvark.
Aussies love ‘em ... http://www.f-111.net/
Controversial from the beginning ... http://www.airliners.net/discussions/military/read.main/42051/
Love the “Go ugly early” line. Hard to believe they almost discontinued the bird, it’s so ugly it’s beautiful. A-10 joins the SR-71 as an airframe where form follows function perfectly.
I got to see one up close, talk to the pilot several years ago at an air show in San Angelo, Texas. Pilot told me they actually throttle up a bit when firing to overcome the recoil from that nose cannon. I’d hate to be on the wrong end of this gun.
i heard that... got a round sittin here in the office.
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