A-10 Squadrons

Abstract

The A-10 is an essential component of successful joint air operations representing a crucial component of the Combat Air Forces (CAF) force structure. The A-10 concept of operations requires a flexible, adaptable and survivable weapon system providing close-air support, combat search and rescue, and special operations capabilities. Current high operational tempo experienced by the Expeditionary Air Force requires the A-10 to perform effectively in a variety of operational roles. The A-10 must conduct around-the-clock air operations under various weather conditions against numerous enemy threats employing a full spectrum of air defense systems. FY 2014 RDT&E funds address evolving and continuing user requirements that must be incorporated within the Operational Flight Program (OFP) in order to operate improving weapons and targeting capabilities as they become available. User requirements are formally reviewed for incorporation with a 2-year release cycle. These requirements address hardware and software OFP deficiencies. Final integration of hardware and software requirements into a unified release occurs after rigorous testing, validation and verification using software integration laboratories (SIL), 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, and enhanced target identification and designation capability. The funds budgeted in the near term provide development of a SIL in support of the transition to organic software development. These funds also provide updates and integration of the aircraft OFP (Suites 8, 9, and 10), weapons integration, targeting pod updates and integration, communication/navigation/datalink improvements (e.g. Mode 5, Combatant Survivor Evader Locator (CSEL), Anti-Jam Embedded Global Positioning System/Inertial Navigation System (Embedded GPS/ INS), Improved Data Modem (IDM), etc.), self-protection integration (e.g. Electronic Protection, self-protection flares/chaff, Radar Warning Receiver, etc.), and Full Mission Trainer (FMT) concurrency development. Ongoing planning activities will continue to address diminishing manufacturing sources and obsolescence issues as required and provide replacement capabilities. 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, 2014
• Source ID: 0207131F_7_3600_PB_2014
• Change Summary Explanation: Due to higher Air Force priorities, FY14 was reduced by $3.8M.
• Service Agency Name: Air Force

Entities

Organizations

• United States Air Force

Tags

Communities of Interest

• Electronic Warfare
• Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

• Air Force
• Air Force Facilities
• Cost Analysis
• Costs
• Data Links
• Electronic Warfare
• Force Structure
• Inertial Navigation
• Inertial Navigation Systems
• Navigation
• Program Management
• Software Development
• Tactical Air Support
• Tactical Data Links
• Test And Evaluation
• Warfare
• Weapons

Fields of Study

• Engineering

Readers

• Civilian Systems Systems Program Capability Development and Upgrade Support Activity Expense and Pay Management.

Technology Areas

• Microelectronics
• Space