The Air Force has awarded Boeing a contract valued at up to $2 billion to engineer and manufacture 242 wing sets for its fleet of A-10 attack aircraft. Boeing is to deliver the wing sets in easy-installation kits. The Air Force, which in late 2005 recognized it had a problem with cracks in its “thin-skinned” Warthogs, has been proceeding with a precision engagement upgrade, giving the 20-year-old aircraft a much needed avionics overhaul.
The Air Force could conduct an operation like Israel's successful air campaign against Iran's nuclear sites, military leadership and air defenses, but readiness issues would make it risky, airpower experts said. Limited spare parts and training, low mission capable rates and few flying hours would put a drag on USAF's…