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 346 aircraft currently in service (plus one ground training aircraft). FY 2012 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. Final integration of hardware and software requirements into a unified release occurs only after rigorous testing, including validation and verification using software integration laboratories, field representative assets, and production representative assets. 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 7 and 8 and will address continued integration of Mode 5, LARS V12, and Helmet Mounted Cuing System (HMCS). 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 7, Operational System Development, because this budget activity includes development efforts to upgrade systems that have been fielded or have received approval for full rate production and anticipate production funding in the current or subsequent fiscal year.

Document Details

• Document Type: R2 Budgetary Justification
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2012
• Source ID: 0207131F_7_3600_PB_2012
• Change Summary Explanation: FY12 funding increase for OFP updating.
• Service Agency Name: Air Force

Entities

Organizations

• United States Air Force

Tags

Communities of Interest

• Air Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

• Acquisition
• Air Defense
• Air Force
• Aircrafts
• Computer-Aided Design
• Contracts
• Cost Analysis
• Costs
• Defense Systems
• Electronic Warfare
• Force Structure
• Precision-Guided Munitions
• Situational Awareness
• Tactical Air Support
• Test And Evaluation
• Warfare
• Weapons

Fields of Study

• Engineering

Readers

• Aerospace Engineering
• Defense Acquisition Program Management
• Software Engineering.