Lockheed Martin has won a $488 million multi-year contract to provide the US Air Force with long-term contractor support for the Fairchild A-10 attack/observation aircraft.
The company beat Northrop Grumman to the contract. The competition started before the planned merger of the two firms was disclosed. So-called "firewalls" were erected between the two sides to maintain the competition.
Of the 713 A-10s produced by Fairchild Republic since1975, 374 are still operational, with more in storage. They are not scheduled to be retired until at least 2028. The A-10 has been supported by Northrop Grumman since 1987.
Source: Flight International