New A-10C ensures Warthog's long life
Hilltop Times ^ | 2/3/2005 | 1st Lt. James Madeiros and Kari Tilton
The newly designated C-model A-10 Thunderbolt II, modified with precision engagement technology, was flown for the first time at Eglin AFB, Fla., last week, thanks in large part to the work of a small group of people at Hill AFB.
The A-10 Program Office here has been managing the precision engagement program for the past four years. The office’s precision engagement program management team, made up of about 25 people, acts as a liaison between Air Combat Command and the project’s prime contractor, Lockheed Martin Systems Integration.
Calling the A-10C the “best friend to the boots on the ground,” Lt. Col. Mark Donahue, director of the A-10 Program Office, spoke during the rollout ceremony.
“The Air Force always strives to enhance its combat capabilities,” said Lt. Col. Mark Donahue, director of the A-10 Program Office. “The A-10 Precision Engagement modification is the critical first step. Battlefield data-links and upgraded engines, plus expanded cockpit and weapon upgrades are next. These upgrades keep the A-10 viable on the 21st century battlefield until it retires in 2028.
Precision-engagement technology allows the Air Force’s premier close-air support aircraft to also use smart weapons such as Joint Direct Attack Munitions and wind-corrected munitions dispensers, incapable in the previous model, officials said.
“We have taken the world’s greatest close-air support platform and made it even better by adding a wide array of laser and Global Positioning System-aided munitions, the latest in targeting pods and the infrastructure to support data link,” said Maj. Michael Rawls, the pilot who made the flight.
The increased capability also allows for the A-10C to accept more high-value target missions.
Despite some speculation into whether to retire the A-10 in full or in part in years past, its performance in recent conflicts and its program enhancements make it an invaluable part of the Air Force fleet, officials said.
“The A-10 provides a ground commander with a capability no other platform can in terms of survivability, loiter time and array of weapons,” Major Rawls said. “Bottom line, it means (it) is here to stay for awhile.”
For those who have seen an A-10, the new model looks identical from the outside because the modifications are largely in the software and cockpit hardware. The appearance would be different, though, when loaded with a new array of munitions. The new capability will enable the A-10C to carry six smart munitions, with a standard load of four, Major Rawls said.
Although it has not yet flown with a new payload including smart munitions, Major Rawls said he felt that the modifications had not affected the performance of the aircraft.
“The modification moved the center of gravity slightly forward in the aircraft, but it was not distinguishable,” he said. “The jet handled very well.”
The estimated $360 million program has been a joint Air Force and industry effort that leaders said they believe will breathe yet more life into the 30-year-old aircraft.
“We are moving the A-10 into the 21st century with the capability to deliver the latest precision-guided weapons to the battlefield,” said Col. Robert Nolan, 46th Test Wing commander.
[Posters Note: And why not, it does that job better than any plane ever devised (though the Su-24 might come close from a price to performance standpoint). It flies fast enough to do the job, and plenty slow enough as well.]
