![]() ![]() The contract is an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) type with a maximum ceiling value of 999 million. Boeing’s contract win was based upon its established supply base, experience with the A-10 structures, and in-depth knowledge of the U.S. But given the crucial role it plays providing close air support, something particularly helpful against enemies in a place like Iraq, the A-10 has many staunch defenders, including Senator John McCain. Quick Facts About the A-10 Wing Replacement Program. The Air Force wants to scuttle the 238 A-10s still in service, a move that would save $3.7 billion over five years-and make way for more sophisticated planes like the new F-35 Lightning II. That makes the A-10 something of a zombie-it refuses to die. And that is why, despite ongoing efforts by Defense Department brass to kill it, the Warthog is headed back into battle to help in the fight against ISIS.Īn undisclosed number of Warthogs, part of the "Blacksnakes" 163rd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron based at Fort Wayne, Indiana, have been deployed to Middle Eastern airbases to provide air cover to troops fighting ISIS in Iraq and Syria. Three decades after Desert Storm gave the close-air-support classic its combat debut, approximately 280 Warthogs remain in service with the Air Force. But it is heavily armored and wickedly armed, making it a ruthlessly effective weapon. And it's about as sophisticated as a hammer. ![]() The plane, designed for the Cold War, is old. For more than 30 years, the A-10 Thunderbolt II-better known as the Warthog because it's so ugly-has performed a crucial role: attacking hostile targets that threaten troops on the ground, a task called close air support. ![]()
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