Posted on 01/22/2008 10:25:33 AM PST by ThinkingBuddha
The Precision Engagement modification is the largest single upgrade effort ever undertaken for the USA's unique A-10 "Warthog" close air support aircraft fleet. when complete, it will give them precision strike capability sooner than planned, combining multiple upgrade requirements into one time and money-saving program rather than executing them as standalone projects. Indeed, the USAF has accelerated the PE program by 9 months as a result of its experiences in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The entire A-10 fleet will be modified over 4-5 years, at an estimated total cost of $420 million. While A/OA-10 aircraft continue to outperform technology-packed rivals on the battlefield, this set of upgrades is expected to help keep the aircraft current until the fleet's planned phase-out in 2028......
(Excerpt) Read more at defenseindustrydaily.com ...
I love the ‘hog.... I wonder when decommissioned ones will start hitting the boneyards and become available for collectors? I need to start saving up and learn to fly.
In the meantime, get yourself a T-38, a beautiful aircraft, been around forever, safe, easy to fly, and supersonic.
Google Earth
32° 9’7.84”N
110°49’56.62”W
Go to the southern-most point of the boneyard and you’ll see two rows of A-10s at the top of the triangle.
SNIP .. ..The entire A-10 fleet will be modified over 4-5 years, at an estimated total cost of $420 million.
SNIP. .. . Overall, an April 2, 2007 GAO report places the potential total cost of upgrading, refurbishing, and service life extension plans for the A/OA-10 force at up to $4.4 billion.
It's going to cost $420,000,000 and then, later it will cost a total of $4,400,000,000.
Right?
You're missing a few things.
"Precision Engagement modification ... at an estimated total cost of $420 million."
"Overall, an April 2, 2007 GAO report places the potential total cost of upgrading, refurbishing, and service life extension plans for the A/OA-10 force at up to $4.4 billion."
Quite a difference between a PE mod and a SLEP.
If I had the brass, that’s what I’d be zipping around in: A T-38. A truly functional plane for going between point A and B with all due haste.
And easy to maintain, too.
Let me hear your guns!
Looks like there’s a fake cockpit painted on the bottom of the fuselage. Is there fake ordnance painted on top of the wings?
One cool thing about watching Indycar races at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway is that it’s right next to an Air Force base (Nellis?). You can watch those Hogs take off and touch down all race long. Also stealth fighers were in large supply.
No fake ordinance painted on top of the wings.
The Hog is an American tanker’s best friend and an enemy tanker’s worst nightmare. I’m really glad to see it’s been extended through another upgrade cycle.
bump
. ... ...missed the part about the Service Life Extension Program.
(and had to look it up, actually)
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.
