US Air Force Orders Inspections of A-10 Aircraft
Focus on Defense:
WASHINGTON, Oct. 3, 2008 -- The Air Force has issued a TCTO (time compliance technical order) requiring immediate inspection and repair of wing cracks for a portion of the A-10 fleet. This action impacts approximately 130 A-10 aircraft with thin-skin wings installed during original manufacture and is being taken to ensure the continued operational safety of the aircraft.
Such action has become necessary due to an increase in fatigue-related wing cracks currently occurring in aircraft assigned to Air Combat Command, Pacific Air Forces, the Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve Command and Air Force Materiel Command.
The inspections are a necessary step in addressing the risk associated with A-10 wing cracking - specifically with thin-skin wings. This risk is of great concern to the Air Force and is representative of a systemic problem for our aging Air Force fleet.
Taking immediate action is necessary for the safety of our aircrews and to bring our A-10 fleet back to health. Accordingly, AFMC is working closely with ACC and the other Combat Air Force major commands to address all of the thin-skinned winged A-10s with a priority focus being on the A-10s we currently have in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.
The A-10 is a valuable asset to joint warfighters because of its unique capabilities. It can deliver precision guided weapons at high altitudes, as well as surgical close air support at low altitudes. The inspections, however, will not impact on-going or future operational combat missions.
(From a U.S. Air Force news release.)
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posted by Steven Moyer at 10:14 PM
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