Next generation: A-10C arrives at Davis-Monthan

[Midnight Mike]

DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE: The A-10C Thunderbolt II made its official roll-out debut here Nov. 29, revealing its transformation and its enhanced capabilities under the Precision Engagement program.

The Precision Engagement program will offer the A-10 the most significant modifications it has ever received in its 30-year history, making it a more capable and survivable attack fighter, according to Maj. Dan Walls, 355th Training Squadron director of conversion training unit operations.

"Precision Engagement increases the lethality, survivability and standoff of one of the most respected and recognized attack aircraft in the world and ushers in a new era in the A-10 story," Major Walls said.


The enhancements include full integration of sensors, multi-functional color displays and a new hands-on-throttle-and-stick interface. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Alesia Goosic)

Under this program, the A-10 will receive numerous enhancements including the full integration of sensors, including data link and a targeting pod, allowing the A-10C to identify and strike targets from higher altitudes and greater distances without sacrificing accuracy.

This integration also will enhance the aircraft's communication capabilities.

The cockpit will undergo modifications under the program with the introduction of two new multi-functional color displays and a new hands-on-throttle-and-stick interface. These enhancements translate into increased situational awareness for the pilot and the ability to perform most tasks without removing his or her hands from the throttle or stick.

As a result of this upgrade, the A-10C is projected to remain operational into the end of the 2020s, well beyond its initial expected lifespan, Major Walls said.

At the roll-out ceremony, Col. Kent Laughbaum, 355th Wing commander, introduced the arrival of the upgraded jet with reminiscent words on the history of the A-10. He ended by citing several of the technological advancements made to the A-10C and the possibilities for it in the future.

Guests and media later took the opportunity to see the newest modifications up close as A-10C pilots and maintainers showed them around the aircraft and the cockpit. A desktop simulator also was provided for visitors to experience virtual flight in the modified jet.

"We're going to see at least another generation of the A-10 at (Davis-Monthan)," said Colonel Laughbaum. "It is an exciting day for Davis-Monthan and the A-10 community."

[mirrodie]

Exciting day for us, that is awesome news! thanks Mike!

[GrummanFan]

Very happy to hear about this. The A-10 is definately up there as one of my favs.

[Midnight Mike]

Very happy to hear about this. The A-10 is definately up there as one of my favs.

YEP! Waiting to see the A-10 with a bigger gun & bigger bullets!

[hiss srq]

It is awsome to hear the facelift is happening when just years ago under that moron clinton it looked like that beautiful plane was going to be meeting Mr. Scrappers special tourch.

[moose135]

Right, hiss, unlike that moron Chaney who killed the F-14 in favor of an inferior aircraft.

The real problem with the A-10 has been the Air Force itself. It's not a sexy, supersonic fighter, no afterburners, it's mission is moving mud for the ground pounders. In fact, the Air Force didn't really want it in the first place, even looking to transfer it to the Army, however the policy governing division of aviation assets between the military branches did not allow for that. The AF brass wanted more F-15s and F-16s, and until the first Gulf War, were looking at replacing it with a ground attack version of the F-16. When the "Fighter Mafia" took over the Air Force, it was all about F-16s, F-22s, F-35s, not the slow, double-ugly Warthog.

[USAF Pilot 07]

Right, hiss, unlike that moron Chaney who killed the F-14 in favor of an inferior aircraft.

The real problem with the A-10 has been the Air Force itself. It's not a sexy, supersonic fighter, no afterburners, it's mission is moving mud for the ground pounders. In fact, the Air Force didn't really want it in the first place, even looking to transfer it to the Army, however the policy governing division of aviation assets between the military branches did not allow for that. The AF brass wanted more F-15s and F-16s, and until the first Gulf War, were looking at replacing it with a ground attack version of the F-16. When the "Fighter Mafia" took over the Air Force, it was all about F-16s, F-22s, F-35s, not the slow, double-ugly Warthog.

First off, ugh the F-14, what an ugly airplane! I think the F-18 is by far the "sexiest" fighter out of all fighters..

But interesting you bring up the role about the A-10, because a friend and I somehow got on the subject of it a few days ago.
Apparently, we were more than ready to give the Army the A-10 just before the gulf war, because the A-10 would have been used for CAS, generally supporting Army troops, and like you said was not a typical "sexy" fighter plane. From what my friend said (based on what his dad, an Army helo pilot during the 80s and 90s told him) is that one of the main reasons we didn't give the A-10 to the Army is because they wanted more than several transport aircraft (namely C-130s) in order to support their new A-10 units. Since the C-130 has been probably the most successful and productive airframe in Air Force history, combined with the fact that giving the Army these airframes would somewhat change their overall mission, the Air Force (and DoD) decided to keep the A-10s, a move which ended up really helping the Air Force and its image...

[mirrodie]

Whoa, the F14 is ugly? Careful, a roar might erupt from the F14 camp!

Always loved the A-10 as well as the A6 and EA6B. Those non sexy looking jets don't get enough airplay. They did do Flight of the Intruder and that had some decent footage, but you knw hte F14 took it away in Top Gun and the F18 gets great billing in Behind Enemy Lines. Even the F16 got great footage in Iron Eagle.

But the A10 and A6, the "homely looking gals"dont' get much screentime :)

[GrummanFan]

ugh the F-14, what an ugly airplane!

Oh no you didn't.

Personally, I think the Prowler and Warthog are both extremely sexy-looking and kick ass. The A10 may not look sleek, but one look at one fully loaded and seeing that gun in action, and you are in shock of its power. The EA6B is the quiet one, not exactly the life of the party but capable of sneaking up behind you and quickly taking you out, or at least scrambling your cell phone.

[Matt Molnar]

Right, hiss, unlike that moron Chaney who killed the F-14 in favor of an inferior aircraft.

Wasn't Clinton in office when the F-22 was thought up? :)

[Nick]

So it has everything but more thrusties huh.