A clean Viper accelerates faster than Raptor...

I see about 5500 lbs for the T38 from Flight Global

http://www.flightglobal.com/assets/geta ... emID=38265

T-38A Manual (TO 1T-38A-1) gives 12500 lbs full fuel and 2 crew

Subtract fuel to get 8613 lbs and looks like Wiki might be closer regarding the typical empty weight.


That figure for the T-50 in the image is closer to where you would think the TX sits - will see.

Boeing T-X, the next Thunderbird? Way ahead of myself

I hope not!! Their Blk 52s should be good until at least 2035. By then the 6th generation fighter should be out so I would bet they and the Blues will both be flying the F-35, just like the F-4 days...

My bet's on the T-X, F-35's cost way more to operate.

I agree with dragracingmaniac the F-35 Lightning II is too expensive for the Thunderbirds to replace their F-16s with it (although it would look cool and be loud as hell at airshows)! Boeing's TX winner has a much better chance. In my opinion. Don't forget what the U.S.A.F. Thunderbirds were flying before they had the F-16's