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ST. LOUIS: The Boeing Company's recent bid to manufacture 200 wing sets for the U.S. Air Force A-10 fleet would have an estimated $135 million impact on the economy of Macon, Ga., if it wins the contract. Boeing said at least 75 additional jobs and a local supplier base would be required to execute the program.
“The Boeing A-10 program would manufacture the center wing panel structural assembly at our Macon facility if we win the A-10 contract. That work includes parts kitting, drilling, assembly and painting,” said Curt Nothstine, director for Aircraft Sustainment and Modernization for Boeing's Maintenance, Modification and Upgrades business. “By placing the work in Macon, we can leverage the outstanding performance of the local workforce that we have seen on the C-17 program. We would expect to add new jobs by 2011.”
The A-10 wing replacement program calls for the replacement wing sets to be delivered in parts and kitted for easy installation. The Air Force is expected to evaluate competitors on past performance, capability, total evaluated price and program schedule, before awarding the contract in Spring 2007.
“Our plan is to provide the Air Force with the skilled expertise and engineering know-how that will address the needs of the A-10 program with a low-risk, low-cost solution,” continued Nothstine. “Using advanced lean manufacturing technologies, we will be able to provide a solution and assembly kit that will allow the A-10s to fly at least 20 more years. The outstanding past performance on the C-17 manufacturing work at the Macon facility provides Boeing with a strong base from which to compete for new work.”
The contract is valued at up to $1.5 billion over two five-year periods. The company plans to announce Georgia-based suppliers within the month and anticipates similar financial gains in the states of Utah and Missouri.
The A-10 Thunderbolt II, 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.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $30.8 billion business. It provides network-centric system solutions to its global military, government and commercial customers. It is a leading provider of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems; the world's largest military aircraft manufacturer; the world's largest satellite manufacturer; a foremost developer of advanced concepts and technologies; a leading provider of space-based communications; the primary systems integrator for U.S. missile defense; NASA's largest contractor; and a global leader in sustainment solutions and launch services.
