Just thinking what type of jet the Thunderbirds will use next.

Airshow fan

I'm thinking the F-16 for quite some time! Once production of the Vipers come to an end and spare parts become harder to attain, that would be the first indication of changes to come. Doesn't seem like that will happen any time soon. I can guarantee you that the replacement for the Vipers haven't even been thought about yet and whenever that time comes, who knows what options are available?

Lawndart

I'd guess the F-35 about 5-7yrs down the road. The internet tells me the USAF will start phasing them out in 2010

I'd guess whenever there's an A and C model of either the F-35 or F-22, so the Tbirds can stick to tradition and fly the oldest birds in the Air Force! If they start phasing the F-16's out by 2010, my guess (and I really have no clue) would be that we'll see the Thunderbirds use F-16's for at least another 10 years if not more. Whenever the airframes being built today are the oldest in the inventory is the day they would swap and by then I'm sure there's A and C versions of the stealth fighters. Who knows, I'm sure I'll have gray hairs before they change equipment!

LD

I can't see them using the F-22.

Simple economics about using X number of 100 Million plus airframes would rule that out. The days of the USAF operating fighters in the numbers that they currently do will go.

That is not to say that the USAF will lose it's punch.

The force multiplier effects of a system like the F-22 more than make up for their relative paucity in numbers. But I just can't see the T-Birds flying them.

Both the Thunderbirds and Blue Angels are destined to fly their service's version of the JSF, not the F-22 or Super Hornet.

I do agree. I would think the F-35 not the F-22. ( At that time I was in a hurry.)

i don't see an f22 in a diamond formation, but i do see an f35 in it

i would also like to see a short takeoff in a fingertip

I'm not sure about an F-22, how about a F-111 .

You'd have to ask Aussies about a loan. We have the only remaining operational ones..!

Well I remember SSgt Scott Grabham, Crew Chief # 3, during a conversation I had with him, mentioned that TBs have tried out the Block 52 F-16s and they liked them a lot. So I'm definitely sure they'll replace their current 16s with the new '52s, but I'm not sure when that will happen. I think (not sure) he mentioned that they're thinking about them for their 07 or 08 season... I have my conversation recorded (one of the beauties of TS and ventrilo!) so I'll go check it out and update you guys on this.
Meanwhile, I think VTBs can double check this with the actual TBs to find out how correct I am...

Funky

I'll take your word for it Funky. To sum up, neither the Blues or Birds have expressed any what-so-ever plans to change from their current equipment type any time soon. In reality that translates to at least a decade or so before we'll see anything else likely and the stealth fighters are just hypothetically being discussed amongst forums, not by the actual decision makers. I know the Thunderbirds are extremely pleased with the F-16, having used them since 1982 and I would put all my money on them using block 52's in the future.

LD

P.S. Haven't seen you on Ventrilo for some time Funky. Sup?

Lawndart wrote:P.S. Haven't seen you on Ventrilo for some time Funky. Sup?

I've been hanging around your forum for as ususal, but I tend to keep quiet and observe. As far as your new ventrilo, I'm sort of unlucky with that since every time I've tried to get on, nobody's there... but I'll keep trying .

Funky

We will get Block 52 Vipers at some point in the next few years. I will say never on the F-22 due to the expense, size, and how lethal(and rare) they are. F-35 will be our most likely replacement but that is 10 years out. Grab

Future T-Bird?