A-10 SQUADRONS

Abstract

The concept of operations for the A-10 requires an agile and survivable weapon system that provides close-air support, combat search and rescue, and special operations support. The high operations tempo maintained by the Expeditionary Air Force requires that each combat platform exhibit the flexibility to effectively perform in a variety of operational roles. To implement these strategies, Combat Air Forces (CAF) must be able to conduct air operations around-the-clock under various weather conditions against numerous enemy threats employing a full spectrum of air defense systems to include countermeasures. The A-10 is an essential component of successful air operations, and represents a significant percentage of the CAF force structure with 356 aircraft currently in service (plus one ground training aircraft). FY 2010 President's Budget (PB) projected the retirement of three aircraft in FY 2010. An additional six aircraft are projected for retirement in FY 2013. FY 2011 RDT&E funds address continuing user requirements that need to be incorporated within the Operational Flight Program (OFP). Each year user developmental requirements are formally reviewed for incorporation in the annual aircraft OFP release cycle to bring new capability to the A-10 and to fix both hardware and software OFP deficiencies. The A-10 weapon system's attributes include excellent low speed maneuverability, high weapons payload, long loiter time, very high tolerance to battle damage, and the lowest cost per flying hour of any CAF fighter. The A-10 weapon system is the Air Force's most effective Close Air Support (CAS) and anti-armor platform. Results of previously planned developmental and modernization actions provide the A-10 with new combat capabilities that employ a variety of smart weapons, improved situational awareness, increased service life to the wing and fuselage, and enhanced target identification and designation capability. The funds budgeted in the near term will provide updates to the aircraft OFP in Suites 6 and 7 and will address continued integration of Precision Engagement capabilities, for example J-Series and Variable Message Format (VMF) messages, and incorporation of Mode 5. Later in the Future Years Defense Program, subsequent OFP Suites are projected to incorporate additional functionality and capabilities such as electronic warfare, cursor on target and evolving targeting pod capabilities. Ongoing planning and associated activities will continue to take place to prevent and overcome diminishing manufacturing sources and obsolescence issues as required. This program is in Budget Activity 07 - Operational System Development because it supports a fielded weapon system.

Document Details

• Document Type: R2 Budgetary Justification
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2011
• Source ID: 0207131F_7_3600_PB_2011
• Change Summary Explanation: Note 1: The FY 2010, Congress added $2.5 million for a CAD/CAM Aircraft Structural Overhaul Work Center. Note 2: The FY 2010 President's Budget submittal did not reflect FY 2011 through FY 2015 funding. Therefore, explanation of changes between the two budget positions cannot be made in a relevant manner.
• Service Agency Name: Air Force

Entities

Organizations

• United States Air Force

Tags

Communities of Interest

• Air Platforms
• Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

• Acquisition
• Air Defense
• Air Force
• Aircrafts
• Congress
• Contracts
• Cost Analysis
• Costs
• Defense Systems
• Electronic Warfare
• Situational Awareness
• Tactical Air Support
• Test And Evaluation
• Training Aircraft
• Warfare
• Weapon Systems
• Weapons

Readers

• Aerospace Engineering
• Naval Mine Countermeasure Systems Development.

Technology Areas

• Microelectronics