
mixelflick wrote:strykerxo wrote:What is the possibility that the AF ends up with the T-X as a F-16 replacement for the Thunderbird's. Considering the cost of F-22/35, the T-X would have the performance at substantially less costs. The SH is slated for the Navy Blue Angels at a considerable cost, but not much more performance.
Certainly possible. A lot more possible if another energy crunch hits, in the same way the team switched from F-4's to T-38's in the 1970's. As a young boy, I saw the T-38 team and was really impressed. They were fast, maneuverable and inspired awe.
I'm betting I would have LOVED the F-4 team a lot better though.
The Thunderbirds really need a new bird to fly. I've seen so many demo's with F-16's, I actually start leaving the show early to beat the traffic. If they were flying F-35's, you can bet I'd be there studying every move. Hopefully, they can bring the cost per flight hour down. God knows it'd be an incredible aircraft to showcase American air power. The post stall stuff alone would be worth it..
The rhino was a beast in airshow trim. Clean, she was fast and could really pull some g's a few hundred feet high. Remember when the Eagles came along it was still pilot versus pilot and double ugly won quite a lot of engagements in those days.