Southwest Research Institute® (SwRI®) News
Printer Friendly VersionSwRI selected subcontractor for A/OA-10 prime contract
Maximum contract value is $488 million over nine years
San Antonio -- February 13, 1998 -- Lockheed Martin Federal Systems in Owego, New York, prime contractor, and Southwest Research Institute® (SwRI®), a subcontractor, have been selected to develop and integrate modifications and to provide sustaining engineering services for the U.S. Air Force A/OA-10 aircraft fleet. The maximum contract value is $488 million over a nine-year period.
Lockheed Martin Federal Systems, Owego will assume Total System Performance Responsibility for the program. SwRI has supported the U.S. Air Force A/OA-10 System Program Office over the past seven years on a variety of system engineering tasks, hardware and software development programs, and infrastructure support services. Through their subcontract role, SwRI will participate as a key team member to continue providing similar services for the A/OA-10 System Program Office.
The A/OA-10 Thunderbolt II is the first Air Force aircraft specially designed for close air support of ground forces, according to Air Combat Command. The Thunderbolt II is an effective, survivable twin-engine jet aircraft that can be used against all ground targets, including tanks and other armored vehicles. The A/OA-10 Thunderbolt II's ability to deliver multiple munitions, its long loiter times, and its wide combat radius proved to be vital assets during Operation Desert Storm.
SwRI's initial work under the new contract will include system engineering services. Through anticipated delivery orders, SwRI will continue to provide services, including development of selected Low Altitude Safety and Targeting Enhancement (LASTE) computer cards and operational test system upgrades. Future tasks will leverage SwRI's experience and understanding of the weapon system, avionics suite, and support requirements.
For more information, contact Joe Fohn, Communications Department, Southwest Research Institute, P.O. Drawer 28510, San Antonio, Texas 78228-0510, Phone (210) 522-4630, Fax (210) 522-3547.
