A-10 Thunderbolt receives approval
During a ceremony at Langley Air Force Base, Vancouver, the precision-engagement modified A-10C Thunderbolt II received its Initial Operational Capability on August 2. twenty-one
“The A-10C has received its most significant modifications in its 30-year history,” said Lt. Col. Ralph Hansen, head of A-10 requirements for Air Combat Command.
The modifications give A-10C pilots better capabilities on the battlefield.
Now digital upgrades to the A-10C include: “Manual Throttle and Stick,” which allows the pilot to drop bombs or change position without taking their hands off the throttle or stick. The situational awareness data link allows the pilot to link the targeting pod to a target and the new system will determine the coordinates.
Additionally, the new 1760 data bus running most weapon systems allows the A-10C to use Joint Direct Attack Munitions, or JDAM, and wind-corrected munitions dispensers. The new updates also include a digital store management system. This computer system keeps track of the ammunition loaded on the aircraft and which of them are still on board.
“The A-10 is best known for its close air support, airborne forward air controller, and combat search and rescue missions. The A-10C can be used against all ground targets, including tanks and other armored vehicles. they will only enhance those capabilities,” according to one pilot.
“The main benefit of the A-10C is the interconnectivity between the pilot, weapons and targets. The 104 is the first to receive the new upgrades, just in time for the unit’s next deployment to Iraq.” the lieutenant colonel said. Timothy G. Smith, commander of the 104th Fighter Squadron of the Maryland Air National Guard.
The advantage of all the new digital systems and weaponry is that “pilots can see much better than in the past and function in any weather. It’s much more than subsystems working together, they’re actually all integrated to work.” no problem,” said Stephen Ramsey, executive vice president of Lockheed Martin Systems Integration – Owego.
New wiring on the A-10C allows it to carry Lockheed Martin Sniper XR or Northrop Grumman Litening AT forward targeting pods. Targeting pods can link two aircraft or even the air-ground forces below to locate and lock on targets.
“What would normally have taken several minutes to half an hour can now be done in seconds. The A-10C now has the ability to link up and identify targets as a collective with ground forces and any other source without each individual aircraft having what to look for”. and find them,” said Lt. Col. Eric Mann, 104th FS Guard operational requirements division chief.
One of the key factors in the successful upgrade of the A-10 is the “total force effort that includes all of our industry partners, includes the reserves, includes active duty, and certainly our brothers in the Air National Guard.” said Maj. Ronald E. Keys, ACC commander.
By 2011, the project to modernize the 356 A-10As will cost about $500 million and is scheduled to be completed with about 75 A-10s currently upgraded.