Warbird Information Exchange

Boeing has been awarded a U.S. Air Force contract worth up to $2 billion between 2007 and 2018 for engineering services and the manufacturing of 242 wing sets for the Air Force's A-10 fleet.

"We are pleased that the Air Force has recognized that Boeing has the skilled expertise, engineering know-how and affordable solution to address the needs of the A-10 program," said Tony Robertson, vice president of Boeing Support Systems' Maintenance, Modifications and Upgrades division.

The A-10 wing replacement program calls for the replacement wing sets to be 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 U.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."

The A-10, first introduced in 1976, is a twin-engine jet aircraft designed for close-air support of ground forces. The simple, effective and survivable single-seat aircraft can be used against all ground targets, including tanks and other armored vehicles.

Team Macon celebrates A-10 victory with community leaders

Team Macon was all smiles last week. The employees of the Boeing facility in Macon, Ga., invited state and local government officials and community leaders to join them Aug. 16 to celebrate the role they will play in the execution of a contract to replace wings on the U.S. Air Force’s A-10 Thunderbolt.

In late June, the Air Force awarded a contract to Boeing worth up to $2 billion for engineering services and the manufacturing of replacement wings for up to 242 A-10 aircraft, also known as the "Warthog."

The day started with Site Leader Reed Morren welcoming a group of 15 congressional staff members, local government officials and community leaders.

"This is a great opportunity for Team Macon," Morren told the assembled government and community leaders. "We are able to diversify our business and build on what we do well."

Boeing’s Macon facility will play a key role in performance on the contract. The A-10 wing-replacement program calls for the replacement wing sets to be delivered in parts and kits for easy installation. The wing kits will be manufactured in Macon, adding about 75 jobs to the workforce by 2010.

Steve Waltman, director of Aircraft, Sustainment & Modernization for the Maintenance, Modification & Upgrades Division of Support Systems, told the group that Macon was selected because of superior performance on its current programs, the C-17, Apache helicopter and the Chinook.

"Macon is a logical choice for this work," Waltman said. "The continued strong execution of quality and low-cost here in Macon allowed us to win the competitive advantage."

Most of the team wore T-shirts that read: "Giving the Hawgs New Wings …Team Macon, A Winning Team."

The A-10, which was introduced in 1976, had been scheduled for retirement before Operation Desert Storm in 1991. However, since then, jet has proven invaluable for ground troops. The wing replacement program will extend the life of the A-10 through 2028. At peak production, Macon will produce 40 wing sets each year.

Waltman also met with employees, managers and the media to discuss the impact of the A-10 wing-replacement program on Macon and central Georgia. Meanwhile, the visiting government and community leaders toured the Macon facility.

State and local officials who attended included Bill Stembridge, district director for U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss; Mike Sheftall, district director for U.S. Rep. Jim Marshall; Georgia State Sens. Cecil Staton and Ross Tolleson; Georgia State Reps. Larry O’Neal, Willie Talton , Allen Freeman, Allen Peake and Tony Sellier; Bibb County Commission Chairman Charlie Bishop; and Houston County Commission Chairman Ned Sanders.

A-10 program kicks off in St. Louis

Members of the Boeing and U.S. Air Force A-10 Wing Replacement team gathered for a program kickoff meeting in St. Louis Aug. 14-15 to begin planning the execution of the $2 billion contract. In June, the Air Force awarded Boeing a contract to provide new wing sets for up to 242 A-10 aircraft. The contract runs between now and 2018.

More than 70 team members attended the two-day meeting that featured sections on teaming and communication. "Open, honest and regular communications are essential to our success," said Bill Moorefield, Boeing A-10 program manager.

Briefings and breakout sessions during the meeting focused on the wing assembly and transferring of knowledge among team members.

The wings will be manufactured by Boeing’s Macon, Ga., facility, and installation of the wings will be performed at the 309th Maintenance Wing in Utah at the Ogden Air Logistics Center.

"The bottom line is to provide safe, capable A-10s on the ramp and in the air," said Lt. Col James Marx, deputy director of the A-10 538th Aircraft Sustainment Group. "I want to emphasize communication, communication, communication. We must talk about things up front. Remember the pilot in the cockpit, fighting our nation’s war, keep thinking about that and it will make all the rest easy. We have a great start here; thank you for your efforts and your help."

The A-10 is a twin-engine jet aircraft designed for close-air support of ground forces. The simple, effective and survivable single-seat aircraft can be used against all ground targets, including tanks and other armored vehicles.