F-16E Block 60
F-16E Block 60
Will the real Thunderbirds be using the F-16E block 60 as their demonstration plane?
My understanding is that the USAF has absolutely zero plans to upgrade to the Block 60 Viper. Pretty much they intend to fly out the service life of the existing birds and have placed a lot of expectation (too much, IMHO) on the new JSF program.
BTW, the T-bird aircraft aren't the oldest in the inventory. There are still Block 25 and older A's and B's flying in ANG units and at Luke AFB. I believe that the current T-birds are Block 30 C models.
BTW, the T-bird aircraft aren't the oldest in the inventory. There are still Block 25 and older A's and B's flying in ANG units and at Luke AFB. I believe that the current T-birds are Block 30 C models.
Kevin Cummins, former USAF Viper crewchief
Just when you thought it was safe to get back in th' air...
...you find out that nuthin' bites like a Viper.
Just when you thought it was safe to get back in th' air...
...you find out that nuthin' bites like a Viper.
The Thunderbird jets are among the oldest in the inventory. Most are mid-late 80's models; however, with updated avionics and radars. The airframes are old, but maintained (O'boy are they ever well maintained!) and fully upgraded. Similar to an old vintage car, like your '69 Mustang. It's old, but looks and feels newer than a '05 Mustang that just rolled off the assembly line the way it's cared for by its owner. That's more or less quote on quote, the analogy made by the Tbirds during our recent visit at Nellis.
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