Beats Lockheed Martin To Replace Cracking Wings On Aging A-10s

Boeing has been awarded an 11-year, $2.02 billion contract by the Defense Department for engineering services and the manufacturing of 242 wing sets for the Air Force's aging A-10 anti-tank aircraft, beating out rival Lockheed Martin, reported Bloomberg.

The contract is scheduled to be completed by September 2018, the Defense Department said.

"We are pleased that the Air Force has recognized 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 wing replacement program will have replacement wing sets 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 nation's A-10 fleet to fly at least 20 more 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."

First introduced in 1976, the A-10, known as the Warthog, is a low-flying ground- attack aircraft capable of maneuvering at slow speeds. It has been used in Iraq to support troops and attack armored vehicles.

Lockheed, based in Bethesda, MD, already leads a program valued at more than $2 billion won in 1997 to upgrade A- 10 aircraft and install new cockpit electronics.

Lockheed is "disappointed" by the decision to award the contract to Boeing, spokesman Greg Caires said.

FMI: www.af.mil, www.boeing, www.defenselink.mil