(NSI News Source Info) ST. LOUIS - February 6, 2009: The Boeing Company today submitted a proposal to the U.S. Air Force to participate as an associate prime contractor in the projected $1.6 billion A-10 Thunderbolt Life-Cycle Program Support (TLPS) contract to support the sustainment of the A-10 Thunderbolt II weapon system and integration of current and future requirements. 
The A-10 Thunderbolt II is an American single-seat, twin-engine, straight-wing jet aircraft developed by Fairchild-Republic for the United States Air Force to provide close air support (CAS) of ground forces by attacking tanks, armored vehicles, and other ground targets, with a limited air interdiction capability. It is the first U.S. Air Force aircraft designed exclusively for close air support.
"We are confident the Air Force will continue to recognize the resources and competencies that The Boeing Company brings to the warfighter," said Steve Waltman, director of Boeing Aircraft Sustainment & Maintenance, a subdivision of the company's Maintenance, Modifications & Upgrades division. "We are committed to the standard of excellence we have exhibited on the current A-10 Wing Replacement Program and, if selected, we will deliver the same outstanding level of customer satisfaction and performance on the TLPS contract."
Boeing won the $2 billion A-10 Wing Replacement Program contract in June 2007. The program includes engineering services and the manufacture of up to 242 wing sets for the Air Force's A-10 fleet. The program is on schedule as Boeing develops the 3-D models that provide the engineering foundation for current wing sustainment needs, design improvements to prevent cracking, and production of the enhanced wing sets.
"The Boeing solution for the A-10 Wing Replacement Program allows the A-10 fleet to fly for at least another 20 years, providing the close-air support our troops need," said Bill Moorefield, A-10 program manager for Boeing. "Our proposal for TLPS takes that one step further -- providing support for the aircraft fleet while ensuring relevance and viability through 2028 and beyond."
The Air Force will select up to three contractors to compete for individual task and delivery orders over the life of the contract. Work will include avionics, mechanical, structural, and propulsion system upgrade work and a program integration support task.
The A-10, also known as the Warthog, was first introduced into the Air Force inventory in 1976. The twin-engine aircraft provides close-air support of ground forces and employs a wide variety of conventional munitions, including general-purpose bombs. The simple, effective and survivable single-seat aircraft can be used against all ground targets, including tanks and other armored vehicles. The aircraft is currently supporting operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.
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