DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: The A-10 Thunderbolt II Jet - Warhog of the Skies

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: The A-10 Thunderbolt II Jet - Warhog of the Skies

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources Boeing
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - March 1, 2014: The A-10 Thunderbolt II, also known as the Warthog, is a twin-engine aircraft that 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.

The first flight of the A-10 was in May 1972, and a total of 713 aircraft have since been produced. Over 350 A-10 aircraft are in service with the US Air Force, Air Combat Command, the U.S. Air Force Reserve and the Air National Guard.

A-10/OA-10 Thunderbolt IIs have excellent maneuverability at low air speeds and altitude, and are highly accurate weapons-delivery platforms. They can loiter near battle areas for extended periods of time and operate under 1,000-foot ceilings (303.3 meters) with 1.5-mile (2.4 kilometers) visibility. Their wide combat radius and short takeoff and landing capability permit operations in and out of locations near front lines. Using night vision goggles, A-10/OA-10 pilots can conduct their missions during darkness.

The single-seat cockpit is protected by all-round armor, with a titanium "bathtub" structure to protect the pilot that is up to 3.8cm thick. The cockpit has a large bulletproof bubble canopy, which gives good all-round vision.

The A-10 can carry up to six Maverick AGM-65/B/D/G/H/K air-to-surface missiles, and up to four AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles.

With its superior manoeuvrability and firepower, the A-10 Thunderbolt II jet is one of the toughest aircraft operated by the U.S. Air Force.

Attacking Targets on the Ground

The A-10 Thunderbolt II jet provides close air support for U.S. troops on the ground. The aircraft attacks tanks and other armored vehicles, as well as enemy ground positions. Developed in the 1970s, it was the first aircraft created to provide close air support to U.S. ground forces.

The A-10 Thunderbolt II has excellent manoeuvrability due to its large wing span. It is heavily armed with a 30 millimeter Avenger Gatling cannon that is capable of firing 3,900 rounds per minute; AGM-65 Maverick air-to-surface missiles; cluster bombs; and Hydra rocket pads. And, the aircraft is extremely durable with over 1,000 pounds of armor. The A-10 Thunderbolt II’s exterior is so tough that it can withstand direct hits by armor piercing bullets and explosive projectiles. The heavy duty armaments and protective armor have earned the aircraft the nickname "Warhog" among U.S. soldiers.

Developed during Vietnam 

The A-10 Thunderbolt II was designed in response to the large number of ground-attack aircraft that were shot down during the Vietnam Conflict by small arms and low level gun fire. The U.S. military decided to develop a tough and heavily armored aircraft that could provide close air support and survive ground attacks. The first versions of the A-10 Thunderbolt II came into service in 1976.

Over the years, the A-10 Thunderbolt II has been used extensively in war zones. The aircraft first saw combat during the 1991 Gulf War and was responsible for destroying almost 1,000 Iraqi tanks and more than 2,000 military vehicles. The A-10 Thunderbolt II also served in Bosnia, Kosovo and Afghanistan.

Upgrades and Pilot Reaction

Over the years, the A-10 Thunderbolt II has received many upgrades and enhancements. The U.S. government is spending more than $2 billion to refurbish the aircraft and keep them operational through the year 2030. About 700 A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft have been built to date, and each aircraft costs about $12 million to manufacture. Current modifications are designed to provide the jets' with precision weapon capabilities.

Despite the durability and strength of the A-10 Thunderbolt II, the aircraft has not always been popular with U.S. Air Force pilots. Many fighter pilots complain about switching to the aircraft as they find it slow and dislike its appearance. Fighter pilots generally prefer faster and sleeker jets to an aircraft that has the nickname "Warhog."

*Link for This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources Boeing
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*Photograph: IPF (International Pool of Friends) + DTN News / otherwise source stated
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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DTN News: Boeing Begins A-10 Thunderbolt Wing Assembly For US Air Force

DTN News: Boeing Begins A-10 Thunderbolt Wing Assembly For US Air Force *Source: DTN News / Boeing (NSI News Source Info) MACON, Ga., - January 18, 2010: The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today announced that it has begun assembling the first A-10 Thunderbolt replacement-wing set at its Macon facility. The U.S. Air Force awarded Boeing the contract, worth up to $2 billion, in June 2007 to provide as many as 242 A-10 replacement-wing sets through 2018. "This is a phenomenal accomplishment for this Boeing Macon team and a real tribute to the partnership between Boeing and the Air Force to keep these vital aircraft flying in support of U.S. military men and women," said Dennis Muilenburg, Boeing Defense, Space & Security president and CEO. "We are honored to help extend the life of these storied planes as they serve our warfighters in their essential close-air support missions. This is also an important milestone in Boeing's drive to offer our customers maintenance and modification support on a wide range of aircraft, regardless of the plane's original manufacturer." Boeing will deliver the replacement wing sets to Hill Air Force Base, Utah, in four parts: three wing sections and an installation kit. Air Force personnel will install the wings. Boeing is scheduled to deliver the first wing set in September and up to 50 wing sets a year at peak production. The A-10 Thunderbolt, also known as the Warthog, is a twin-engine jet aircraft designed for close-air support of ground forces. More than 350 aircraft are currently in the U.S. fleet participating in both Iraq and Afghanistan operations. A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $32 billion business with 70,000 employees worldwide.

DTN News: France Deployed Own SIDM UAV In Afghanistan

DTN News: France Deployed Own SIDM UAV In Afghanistan *Source: DTN News / Int'l Media (NSI News Source Info) PARIS, France - October 4, 2009: France has finally developed a competitor for the U.S. Predator, and they are sending three of them to Afghanistan next month. The EADS SIDM is actually a modified version of the Israeli IAI Eagle UAV. SIDM is, like Predator, a 1.2 ton UAV that can stay in the air for up to 24 hours, at altitudes of up to 30,000 feet. SIDM has a 51.4 foot wingspan and a total payload capacity of 600 pounds. EADS and Israel Aircraft Industry (IAI), have successfully completed the first flight of a MALE UAV System in France. The drone SIDM (Systeme Interimaire de Drone Male) flew from the Istres air base, the DGA (French armaments procurement agency) fly test centre with full communication package including satellite communication and line-of-sight data links. This flight, operated from the operational SIDM ground station, demonstrated the integrity of the UAV system, in particular the Automatic Take-Off and Landing (ATOL), satellite communication and the integral command and control functions. The Predator is a one ton aircraft that is 27 feet long with a wingspan of 49 feet. It has two hard points, which usually carry one (107 pound) Hellfire each. Each hard point can also carry a Stinger air-to-air missile. Max speed of the Predator is 215 kilometers an hour, max cruising speed is 160 kilometers an hour. Max altitude is 25,000 feet. Typical sorties are 12-20 hours each. Predator is being replaced by Sky Warrior, and was developed into a larger combat version, the Reaper. The MQ-9 Reaper is a 4.7 ton, 36 foot long aircraft with a 66 foot wingspan that looks like the MQ-1. It has six hard points, and can carry 1,500 pounds of weapons. These include Hellfire missiles (up to eight), two Sidewinder or two AMRAAM air-to-air missiles, two Maverick missiles, two 500 pound smart bombs (laser or GPS guided.) Max speed is 400 kilometers an hour, and max endurance is 15 hours. The Reaper is considered a combat aircraft, to replace F-16s or A-10s. The MQ-1C Sky Warrior weighs 1.5 tons, carries 300 pounds of sensors internally, and up to 500 pounds of sensors or weapons externally. It has an endurance of up to 36 hours and a top speed of 270 kilometers an hour. Sky Warrior has a wingspan 56 feet and is 28 feet long. The Sky Warrior can land and take off automatically, and carry four Hellfire missiles (compared to two on the Predator). France chose to develop their new UAV using an Israeli aircraft because the Israelis are pioneers in the field. The Predator owes much to earlier Israeli designs, and Israeli UAVs get lots of combat experience. SIDM finished its acceptance tests last Summer, and the last six months have been spent training operators and maintainers.

DTN News: Boeing Receives A-10 Modernization Contracts From US Air Force

DTN News: Boeing Receives A-10 Modernization Contracts From US Air Force *Source: DTN News / Boeing (NSI News Source Info) ST. LOUIS, USA - September 28, 2009: The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] announced Sept. 24, 2009 that it has received two separate contracts from the U.S. Air Force to support modernization of the service's fleet of 365 A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft. The contracts, which have a total value of $4.2 million, consist of several tasks ranging in duration from three to 18 months. The first contract, which will be performed by Boeing and Southwest Research Institute (SwRI), provides engineering services for the A-10 Aircraft Structural Integrity Program (ASIP). The program centers on updating and aligning modern structural analysis tools, processes and standards for the A-10 fleet. The second contract, which will be performed by Boeing and industry team partners Raytheon Technical Services and BAE Systems Platform Solutions, is for a Trade Study Analysis and Operational Assessment/Proof of Concept for the Upgraded Data Transfer Unit (UDTU). The goal of this contract is to update the aircraft's avionics architecture to improve memory and data capability. The ASIP and the UDTU contracts are two of many that will be awarded as part of the $1.6 billion A-10 Thunderbolt Life-Cycle Program Support (TLPS) contract. A-10 TLPS is designed to support the sustainment of the A-10 and integration of current and future requirements. In June, Boeing was selected as one of three contractors to fulfill several A-10 TLPS task and delivery orders for the Air Force. Other A-10 contracts Boeing has received include a services contract that provides the Air Force with on-site engineering support and 3-D models of the A-10 wing, and a contract for fuselage lofting (transfer of a scaled-down plan to full size). The $2 billion A-10 Wing Replacement Program, which Boeing received in June 2007, plans to manufacture up to 242 enhanced wing assemblies. Work remains on schedule as Boeing continues to develop the 3-D models that provide the engineering foundation for production of the new wings. The models allowed the Air Force to quickly resolve wing-crack issues that temporarily grounded the A-10 fleet last year. "We are honored to continue supporting the Air Force and the A-10 fleet," said Bill Moorefield, A-10 program manager for Boeing. "We are committed to the standard of excellence we have exhibited on the A-10 Wing Replacement Program, and we look forward to delivering the same outstanding level of customer satisfaction and performance on this contract." The A-10, also known as the Warthog, was 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 supporting warfighters in Afghanistan and Iraq today. A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32 billion business with 70,000 employees worldwide.

DTN News: Boeing Receives US Air Force A-10 Sustainment And Integration Contract

DTN News: Boeing Receives US Air Force A-10 Sustainment And Integration Contract *Source: Boeing Company

(NSI News Source Info) ST. LOUIS - June 12, 2009: The Boeing Company has been awarded a four-year U.S. Air Force contract to sustain the A-10 Thunderbolt II weapon system and integrate current and future upgrades into the aircraft’s avionics, mechanical and structural systems. Boeing is one of three contractors that will fulfill A-10 Thunderbolt Life-Cycle Program Support (TLPS) task and delivery orders for the Air Force. 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. The A-10's official name comes from the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt of World War II, a fighter that was particularly effective at close air support. The A-10 is more commonly known by its nickname "Warthog" or simply "Hog". As a secondary mission, it provides airborne forward air control, guiding other aircraft against ground targets. A-10s used primarily in this role are designated OA-10.*

The indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity TLPS contract will allow the Air Force to authorize up to $1.6 billion of aircraft support activity. “We are honored to support the A-10 fleet to help ensure America’s men and women in uniform have the capability they need, when they need it,” said Bill Moorefield, A-10 program manager for Boeing. This is the second A-10 contract the Air Force has awarded to Boeing, which won the $2 billion A-10 Wing Replacement Program (WRP) in June 2007. The WRP program includes engineering services and the manufacture of up to 242 A-10 wing sets. The work remains on schedule as Boeing develops the 3-D models that provide the engineering foundation for production of the new wings. The models also allowed Boeing to help the Air Force quickly resolve wing-crack issues that temporarily grounded the A-10 fleet last year. “Boeing’s TLPS solution will allow us to provide the timely and critical support the Air Force has come to expect. We look forward to building on an already strong relationship and, through our TLPS and WRP efforts, keeping the A-10 fleet flying for another two decades,” said Steve Waltman, director of Aircraft Sustainment & Maintenance, a subdivision of Boeing Global Services & Support’s Maintenance, Modifications & Upgrades division. The A-10 Thunderbolt II, 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. A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32 billion business with 70,000 employees worldwide.

DTN News: Afghanistan - Bagram Air Base - 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Organization

DTN News: Afghanistan - Bagram Air Base - 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Organization

(NSI News Source Info) KABUL, Afghanistan - June 8, 2009: The 455th Air Expeditonary Wing commander reports to the Central Command Air Forces (CENTAF) Combined Air Operations Center (CAOC) forward deployed to Southwest Asia. The commander is supported by a wing staff and oversees six Air Force groups located at Bagram and Kandahar Airfields.

The 455th Expeditionary Operations Group is responsible for flying missions from Bagram Airfield, utilizing A-10, F-15E, C-130, EC-130 and EA-6B aircraft.

The 455th Expeditionary Maintenance Group maintains and delivers aircraft for use in airlift and strike missions for Operation Enduring Freedom.

The 455th Expeditionary Mission Support Group provides 24-hour support and maintains the infrastructure necessary to conduct combat operations in Afghanistan.

The 455th Expeditionary Medical Group is the Air Force component for Task Force Med, which provides combat medical and combat medical support services to U.S. and coalition forces throughout Afghanistan. Along with the U.S. Army, the 455 EMDG staffs Craig Joint Theater Hospital at Bagram.

The 755th Air Expeditionary Group, at Bagram, provides administrative control for Airmen deployed throughout Afghanistan, most of whom are performing duties for U.S. and Coalition forces.

The 451st Air Expeditionary Group is located at Kandahar Airfield and includes an expeditionary reconnaissance squadron, an expeditionary rescue squadron and an expeditionary air control squadron.

DTN News: Military TODAY May 1, 2009

DTN News: Military TODAY May 1, 2009

(NSI News Source Info) May 1, 2009: A military truck moves past U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt aircraft during a joint 'Buddy Wing' exercise between South Korea and the U.S. at the U.S. airbase in Osan, about 60 km (37 miles) south of Seoul, April 30, 2009, to ensure battle-readiness and training for combined air operations.

Boeing Bids For $1.6 Billion A-10 Support Contract / Boeing Submits A-10 Sustainment/Integration Contract Proposal To US Air Force

Boeing Bids For $1.6 Billion A-10 Support Contract / Boeing Submits A-10 Sustainment/Integration Contract Proposal To US Air Force

(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.