A-10 Warthog Thunderbolt Striker USAF

A/OA-10 pilots will enjoy hands-on-stick-and-throttle control of weapons, targeting pods and navigation systems, simplifying their duties considerably.

"Simply put, in the C model, we will have 10 times the information available, from both on- and off-board sources, and the ability to process and act on that information significantly quicker," said Mr. Boker. "Even for a simple laser-guided-bomb delivery, what took roughly 14 cockpit switch changes now takes four with the C model. Just imagine what will happen when we combine machine-to-machine datalink technology with the lethality of the Hawg."

Related Aircraft: Chinese J15, Chinese J20, F-35 JSF, F/A-18, F-22

To date, 21 aircraft have been modified at Ogden Air Logistics Center at Hill AFB, Utah; 356 total aircraft are to receive the upgrades, constituting the entire fleet, including active duty, Reserve and Air National Guard Warthogs.

The Air Force awarded the Precision Engagement development contract to Lockheed Martin in 2001. Lockheed Martin received the production contract in February 2005, with the first production kits delivered to Hill AFB in March 2006.

Kit production will run to 2008 with kit installation scheduled to go to 2009.

The Maryland ANG 175th Wing at Warfield ANG Base in Baltimore will be the first unit to convert to the modified aircraft and integrate them into normal operations, underscoring the total force concept. 

Related airplanes:

AC-130	Su-25	Super Etendard

Previous:A-10Next:F-105