Forum: General

466 was a p.o.s hope it works out for the T-birds!

Meathook i was a crewchief at mt home just got to Osan a couple of months ago, and I sat next to Richard in ALS. Its a small world after all. peace

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WoW...excellent, man-o-man, it is a small world, I hope you guys enjoyed ALS. I know it can have its moments, but looking back, it is worth it for you guys (later in life). I am glad you guys met, he is a good man, then again, as his dad...what else could I say Smile

I hope you enjoy Osan, be safe and THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!

Watch your six there, you are the tip of the sword in that area...Big Time

Glad to hear from you "extinctls1"...let me know how things go there for you these days, last time I was there, was a lifetime ago (TDY for a month in 1970).

Take care buddy.....here's a photo of Richards last tour in Iraq, riding in the Striker going to Baghdad.

He sewed on Ssgt now, just waiting for his training date.

All the best to you in Osan

Forum Veteran Joined: Dec 25, 2003 - 10:03 PM Posts: 679

So it says these Birds will debut in the '09 season?

Officially but all ill train on it during training season to get familiar with its newer systems and flight handling I'm sure but by 2009, the whole team will be flying in Block 52,s for all demonstrations.

Shoot I feel sorry for the unit that gets the block 32 thunderbirds, alot of crappers there. going to be somesystems problems for a while.

Forum Veteran Joined: Jul 01, 2007 - 07:22 PM Posts: 605

Tell me again why they need SEAD jets?

dang, was looking at the specs on the 50/52 again. Do wish we could get just a few more dollars and, buy some more and replace all the older blocks. Oh well.

I can tell you that decision was made by the USAF, I am sure their series of master long range planners and schedulers had their reasons....here's a bit of Background for ya

- The CSAF directed conversion of Block 52 aircraft to the Thunderbirds Aerial Demonstration Team Configuration for FY09 show season

- Block 52s bring a newer F-16 to the Thunderbirds (an average of 1500 fewer flying hours and increased maintainability), while Block 32s will be restored to combat configuration and returned to CAF inventory
-- Block 32 a/c experiencing bulkhead cracking and require increased maintenance

- All 11 Block 52 aircraft will receive:
-- Falcon STAR modification – 479 and 158 bulkhead replacement

-- Smoke Generating System modification

-- Thunderbirds paint scheme

Side Note - The Aerial Demonstration Team performs 88 air demonstrations each year in the U.S. and over 57 foreign countries

History
- Block 52
-- The first Block 52 was delivered to the USAF in Nov 91

-- Equipped with improved Global Positioning System and Internal Navigation System

-- Can carry advanced missiles

-- Powered by the improved performance engine, F100-PW-229 (Pratt & Whitney)

-- CCIP

- OO-ALC providing third generation F-16 Thunderbirds
-- 1983-1991 Block 15 F-16

-- 1992-2008 Block 32 F-16

-- 2009+ Block 52 F-16

Status/Update
- Block 52 (C & D model) inducted Mar 07

- First Block 52 Thunderbird aircraft available Oct 07 -- last Thunderbird to be delivered Oct 08

- Block 32 Combat Capable Restoration effort Dec 08 – Nov 09

- Program meeting cost, schedule, and performance parameters
-- Accelerated schedule to meet FY09 show season

-- Saves Nellis man hours and funding -- exceeds customer’s expectations & delivers ready-for-show aircraft

That's all I know and it is public domain information now since the acceptance ceremony, 10 more aircraft will take part, big effect for the Thunderbirds and the Depot folks to keep the Performance at its best for the American and F-16 flying public.

Anything beyond that, is well above my paygrade Smile

Remember, the Thunderbirds are the un-official (official) Ambassadors for the USAF and US Government, they lead the way in Public Awareness, depicting flight safety, American pride, providing a visual Aeriel review of the capabilities of the F-16 for the US Tax payer - its all about "salesmanship and hype"...isn't it - Pride is a major factor too....right!

I salute the efforts of all involved to keep this amazing demonstration team alive and flying..... Cheers

BusCheif wrote:

The D model is 91-0466.

If the jet left Mountain Home and went straight to depot, the D model is not 91-0466. I shot this jet at Nellis in May flying with the 16WPS.

Jake

Does anybody know where D model 91-0466 is now please? Nellis or depot?

Regards

Mark

Former 389th FS Vipers in depot at Ogden ALC in September 2007 were:
F-16CJ 91-0413 grey/no markings
F-16DJ 91-0466 grey/no markings
F-16DJ 91-0479 bare metal
F-16CJ 92-3880 T-Birds c/s

The latter made its first flight in the fresh colours on 15 October 2007.

Greetings,

Jurgen van Toor
Dutch Aviation Society / Scramble
------------------------------------
USAF / US Army & Israel Editor
website: http://www.scramble.nl
e-mail: jurgen.van.toor@scramble.nl

Scramble magazine is now published in English. For more info and subscription details check out http://www.scramble.nl/english.htm

Spot on, Jurgen!!

Thanks old buddy!!

Greetings,

Henrik.

What a waste of combat capability! You could give the T-birds A-models for all that they need. Why we would give our best F-16s to the Thunderbirds when they have no use for the aircraft's full-capability when we are leaving old broken jets in the field (actually fighting the war) is beyond me.

VprWzl wrote:

What a waste of combat capability! You could give the T-birds A-models for all that they need. Why we would give our best F-16s to the Thunderbirds when they have no use for the aircraft's full-capability when we are leaving old broken jets in the field (actually fighting the war) is beyond me.

there is always one... just get over the fact that the team got the 52's.

Forum Veteran Joined: Dec 25, 2003 - 10:03 PM Posts: 679

Are there any combat squadrons out there short of acft because of the T-Birds? Wink

Forum: General

New Thunderbird commander accepts first Block 52 from Depot