The A-10 "Warthog" is undergoing its most significant modification program in its 30-year history. The "Precision Engagement" modification is the first step toward extending the aircraft's life until 2028. Once modified, the "Warthogs" will be designated A-10C. The first A-10C which is the lead test aircarft was unveiled to the public and media at Eglin AFB on January 25, 2005. The A-10C 81-0899 made its first flight on January 20 with Major Michael "Lou" Rawls at the controls. Major Rawls is one of three test pilots from the 40th Flight Test Squadron assigned to the A-10C. The 40th FTS is part of the 46th Test Wing based at Eglin AFB, Fla.

Lockheed Martin Systems Integration of Owego, N.Y., is the prime contractor for the modification program in partnership with two Florida contractors ,Crestview Aerospace Corp. and Northrop Grumman Corp.'s Integrated Systems in St. Augustine, and BAE Systems Controls of Johnson City, N.Y., and Southwest Research Institute of San Antonio, Texas.

The "Precision Engagement" upgrade program includes enhanced precision target engagement capabilities, which will allow the deployment of precision weapons such as JDAM (Joint Direct Attack Munition) and Wind Corrected Munitions Dispenser (WCMD), as well as enabling an extension of the aircraft's service life to 2028. Improvements include: two new multifunction cockpit displays, situational awareness datalinks, digital stores management system, Integrated Flight and Fire Control Computer (IFFCC) from BAE Systems Platform Solutions for automated continuously computed weapons delivery, Litening AT or Sniper XR targeting pod for precision-guided weapons and helmet-mounted sighting system. Low rate initial production of the upgrade is planned to start in 2005. Up to 125 A-10 aircraft are to be upgraded by 2007.
In February 2004, Lockheed Martin was awarded a contract for the integration of the Sniper XR targeting pod on the A-10 as part of the PE program. Sniper XR includes mid-wave FLIR (forward-looking infrared), dual mode laser, CCD-TV, laser spot tracker and IR marker.

Photos of the A-10C in the air provided by the 40th FTS, others by Philippe Colin.