HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah, Feb. 16, 2012 –– Boeing [NYSE: BA] and the U.S. Air Force on Feb. 15 celebrated the rollout of the first re-winged A-10 Thunderbolt II in a ceremony at Hill Air Force Base. Boeing is under contract with the Air Force to deliver 233 wing sets through 2018.

“This enhanced wing assembly will give the A-10 new strength and a new foundation for its continued service into 2040,” said Mark Bass, Maintenance, Modifications & Upgrades vice president and general manager for Boeing Defense, Space & Security. “Boeing remains a committed partner in ensuring the A-10 continues to be a ready, reliable and viable weapon system for the U.S. Air Force.”

The A-10 wing replacement program is an example of Boeing’s continued expansion into non-Boeing platform work. The wing sets are produced at the company’s production facility in Macon, Ga., with partner Korean Aerospace Industries. They are delivered to the Air Force customer at the Ogden Air Logistics Center.

Boeing delivered the first A-10 wing set to the Air Force in March 2011. After mating to the aircraft and validation and verification of the wing, Air Force pilots flew the aircraft on its first flight in November.

Source and photo: Boeing