F-16.net

Elite Joined: May 11, 2004 Posts: 2890 Status: Offline

Hey there guys! I've heard several times about the JSF being the likely contender for the job of demo team jet in the Thunderbirds and Blue Angels, but I think there are a couple of problems with this choice.

The first problem I see is a big one for the PR department - there's no family model for media and incentive rides Shocked

! How are we going to get the great video of the news anchor in the jet putting the air sickness bags to good use Very Happy

?

The second problem is probably going to be more of an issue for the Blues. Right now, both teams have only one type of jet that's used for all six positions and the two seaters are functionally the same, so they don't pose too big of a logistics issue. If I know the US Navy and Marine Corps (the Blues represent both services), they'll want at least one or two of the VSTOL versions on the team. The VSTOL version is much more complex than the carrier version and requires many spare parts and maintenance proceedures that the CV doesn't. I'm thinking that will be a royal PITA for the maintenance team and the crew of Fat Albert.

Am I correct in these suppositions? Does anyone else think these issues will be a big problem for the Air Force and Navy? I'd sure appreciate any insight the members of this site could give me Very Happy

!

If we do wind up with JSFs flying for both teams, I think the shows will be very interesting, indeed. I can imagine the promotional material coming out of Lockheed Martin with pics of both teams together right now Laughing

...

F-16.net Sponsor

This message from our sponsor will disappear if you log on as a member.

Veteran Joined: Apr 25, 2004 Posts: 385 Status: Offline

The main purpose of the F-35 is to have commonality for then to save money. For DoD then to have two similar display teams are somewhat contradictory to this goal, so my guess is that they will do like big business and merge. I guess we can then call them Thunder Angles or Blue Birds

Regarding the different types, I doubt that they will mix them in the team, as their flight characteristics may be too different to fly accurately close together.

On the other hand, the Viper will be in service for another 15-20 years at least, so there is plenty of time to argue this one…

Elite Joined: Jun 29, 2004 Posts: 961 Status: Offline

When the T-Birds went to th Viper after "the Mishap", they used T-38s for the incentive and media rides. That could always be an option.

Elite Joined: May 11, 2004 Posts: 2890 Status: Offline

Thanks for the response guys Very Happy

!

lamoey, I know about the idea to have commonality, but the two teams have flown the same aircraft in the past. They also have different audiences and a really big show schedule. I don't think one team could actually cover all the bases and fly the flag in front of as many potential recruits. I can only imagine the outcry from the Navy and the Air Force if they actually did try to merge the teams Razz

!

Roscoe, thanks for that info! I wonder if they'll continue to use the Viper for the incentive and media flights or if they might go back to the Talon because of its low cost and ease of maintenance?

This could indeed be a protracted discussion with the life expectancy of the Viper and I hope it lasts for quite a while Very Happy

!!!

Roscoe wrote:

When the T-Birds went to th Viper after "the Mishap", they used T-38s for the incentive and media rides. That could always be an option.

"the Mishap"??? what happened? please enlighten my ignorant a$$... Embarassed

Elite Joined: May 11, 2004 Posts: 2890 Status: Offline

Back in the day when the T-Birds were flying T-38s, the entire diamond formation flew into the ground Crying or Very sad

. If you do a search on this site or on Google, you can find out a lot more details. Most people don't like to discuss it.

Elite Joined: Jan 31, 2004 Posts: 1496 Status: Offline

Ya ever get smacked in the gut not with a 2x4, but the whole tree? The Mishap was infinately worse...... Crying or Very sad

wow... wow... ..........

Why would the T-birds even need to replace their Vipers? The F-16 is cheap to operate and maintain, I also personally think that the F-16 is the best aircraft for the Thunderbird paint scheme.

Elite Joined: Sep 29, 2004 Posts: 922 Status: Offline

I think the thunderbird paint scheme isn't that great and needs to be changed. I was never fond of it over the Blue Angel's. Has anyone ever seen the JASDF's demo team, Blue Impulse? I like their paint schemes on the T-4s.

-Aaron

Elite Joined: May 11, 2004 Posts: 2890 Status: Offline

agilefalcon16, I'm thinking a ways into the future. When the rest of the USAF has moved on largely to the JSF and Raptor, they'll probably want something more current than the F-16 to represent them around the world. I have to agree that the red, white, and blue looks great on that jet!

TenguNoHi, I'm a big fan of the T-Birds scheme. I don't know if it comes from my strong ties to the southwest (Arizona to be specific), but I've always liked the Thunderbird design. About the only change I'd like to see with regards to the T-Birds' scheme would be returning the aircraft's number to the tail.

Newbie Joined: Feb 12, 2005 Posts: 8 Status: Offline

I think the Blue Angles will just move into the Super Hornet. What reason would they have to change to a entirely new type of aircraft?

The air force on the other hand will be flying the F-16 for quite a while longer, and after that I'm sure they will move to the F 35 as it will be there "NEW" baby.

Elite Joined: May 11, 2004 Posts: 2890 Status: Offline

esnss, you might be right about the Blues, but I think they'll want to move into the F-35 as both the Navy and Marine Corps will operate the JSF. I haven't heard any plans for the Marines to get Super Hornets. Don't forget that the Blues represent both forces Wink

.

Newbie Joined: Feb 12, 2005 Posts: 8 Status: Offline

I am sure at some point they are going to put Marines in super hornets. the F 35 has a chance to be a great plane, but it will fill the role of the the AV8and not what the C/D hornets did/does for the Marines. there are wepons the super hornet carries that the corps is going to want to use and how much of them will the f 35 use? plus the pay load of the F35 will be smaller. the Marinesdont like to ask for the Navy to drop bombs or shoot rockets at there bad guys. my point is sonner or later the USMC will get get there hands on Super Hornets

Elite Joined: May 11, 2004 Posts: 2890 Status: Offline

esness, thanks for the reply Very Happy

! You're probably right about the Marines getting Super Hornets. I still think the Blues will wind up with JSFs just because they'll be the latest and greatest. Of course, there's also the cost factor to consider and it will be interesting to see which aircraft comes out to be the cheaper option for the team including operating costs. I'm thinking that they'll have more Super Hornets available and the SuperBug does have a family model for media rides and such, but they also have two engines vs the JFS's single engine.

It should be very interesting to watch Smile

!

F-16.net

Forum: F-35 Lightning II

F-35 to replace F-16 and F/A-18 for T-Birds and Blue Angels?