Boeing awarded $2-Billion USAF A-10 fleet contract

The Boeing Company has been awarded a US Air Force contract worth up to $2 billion between 2007 and 2018 for engineering services and the manufacturing of 242 wing sets for the Air Force's A-10 fleet.

"We are pleased that the Air Force has recognised that Boeing has the skilled expertise, engineering know-how and the affordable solution to address the needs of the A-10 program," said Charles T Robertson, vice president of Boeing Support Systems' maintenance, modifications and upgrades division.

The A-10 wing replacement programme calls for the replacement wing sets to be delivered in parts and kits for easy installation. Boeing has teamed with key suppliers to meet all the requirements presented by the A-10 contract, Robertson said. He added that the Boeing solution will allow the US AF's A-10 fleet to fly for at least another 20 years.

"This contract extends the life of a valuable platform that supports our warfighters in accomplishing their mission to defend freedom around the globe," Robertson said. "Employing our integration expertise and lean manufacturing techniques, we are well-prepared to meet the challenges presented in this contract."

The A-10, first introduced in 1976, is a twin-engine jet aircraft designed for close-air support of ground forces. Boeing says the A-10 is a simple, effective and survivable single-seat aircraft that can be used against all ground targets, including tanks and other armoured vehicles.

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. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32.4 billion business with 72,000 employees worldwide.