Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II A-10C

The Precision Engagement (PE) modernization program converted the entire 356-strong A-10/OA-10 fleet to the A-10C standard between 2005 and June 2011. Beyond all-weather combat capability, an improved fire-control system (FCS) and electronic countermeasures, the upgrade added smart-bomb targeting, a modern communications suite with a Link 16 radio and Satcom, and a glass cockpit with two multifunction displays plus a HOTAS configuration mixing the F-16's flight stick with the F-15's throttle. The U.S. Government Accountability Office estimated in 2007 that upgrading, refurbishing and extending the fleet's service life would cost $2.25 billion through 2013. In July 2010 the Air Force awarded Raytheon a contract to integrate a Helmet Mounted Integrated Targeting (HMIT) system into the A-10C. The older LASTE system was replaced by the integrated flight and fire control computer (IFFCC) included in the PE upgrade, and later software updates (the "Suite 8" package) saw the receive-only Pave Penny pods and pylons removed in favor of AN/AAQ-28(V)4 LITENING AT or Sniper XR targeting pods, both fitted with their own laser designator and laser rangefinder.