F-35 first flight today

[bru333]

just in case you guys missed this.

http://www.lockheedmartin.com/pressrelease/F-35.html

[LS1 TA]

That's awsome, they are moving the F-22 out here to holloman air force base in 2007-08. I can't wait to be able to take a look at it. The F-117 is getting old to look at every day.

[Joshu]

The F-117 is getting old to look at every day.

Boo on you!

[Performin Norman]

Wow, that is awesome.

[wood]

That's awsome, they are moving the F-22 out here to holloman air force base in 2007-08. I can't wait to be able to take a look at it. The F-117 is getting old to look at every day.

They are replacing the 33rd fighter wing (15's) on Eglin AFB, FL. with an F-22 wing. Evidently the average age of an aircraft in the airforce is around 20 years old, it's nice to be getting new stuff.

[Joe 1320]

Hmm.... might have to git me one of those.

[FlyerPoot]

I'd love to see what the Blue Angels could do with that plane. Anybody know what they're planning to switch to after the Hornets? They've had those for quite some time.

[Steel2686]

I'd love to see what the Blue Angels could do with that plane. Anybody know what they're planning to switch to after the Hornets? They've had those for quite some time.

The new F-18 SuperHornet is out. It's larger, yet more agile.

[strkt_&_blwn]

hmmm..... i don't know a whole lot about military aircraft but i do live about 12 miles from Whiteman AFB which is home to the B-2's i've gone on a tour and been able to get in the cockpit and walk all around the plane couldn't take any pics of course it's pretty unusual for them to allow tours even. but that is one amazing machine that's for sure. about all i see fly in though is A-10's and B-2's.........always cool to watch fly.

[Joshu]

You guys are very lucky to have some awesome planes flying around where you live. All I see are KC-135's on approach to runway 28R in Pittsbugh. Great things to hear and see but wouldn't mind a change!

[Steel2686]

You guys are very lucky to have some awesome planes flying around where you live. All I see are KC-135's on approach to runway 28R in Pittsbugh. Great things to hear and see but wouldn't mind a change!

Those are awesome in person. I love large planes. We don't get a tremendous amount of military planes in my area. A ton of choppers as Sikorsky Aircraft is here. My wife works for them.

We get the occasional A-10 that comes out of Bradley International. But that's not too often.

[LS1 TA]

They also test unmanned drone planes out here (jets with no people). About 3 months ago one crashed out on the runway and they had to go out there with the bomb squad to de arm it before anyone could get near it. Scary to think those are cruising around overhead with live ammo.

[brothapig]

As far as the Blue Angels go, they fly the oldest F-18's in the bunch. The newer ones are kept to defend our country (makes sense).

Actually, according to their website, they've been in the F-18 for some 20 years now?? I guess it is time for an upgrade. (maybe they could get by with some simple performance mods...?)

What other aircraft does the Navy even have that could fulfill that role?

[Jeff_in_Atl]

I saw a C5 Galaxy yesterday going home. That thing is a giant.

[Talon04]

As far as the Blue Angels go, they fly the oldest F-18's in the bunch. The newer ones are kept to defend our country (makes sense).

Actually, according to their website, they've been in the F-18 for some 20 years now?? I guess it is time for an upgrade. (maybe they could get by with some simple performance mods...?)

What other aircraft does the Navy even have that could fulfill that role?

Nothing.....The F/A-18 has replaced both the F-14 and the A-6 in the carrier fleet, while it is not as perfect for the job as either of the others.

A-6 Intruder ever see Flight of the Intruder? There ya go, these were the workhorses of the navy. Even had a version that was an electronic warfare version called the EA-6 Prowler. Was a two man tandem aircraft with excellent night fighting abilities and a high payload as well.

F-14D Tomcat Think Top Gun. This fighter was the hailmark of the navy for years, is capable of tracking six targets at over one hundred miles away and launching the phoenix missile to engage them, only aircraft that can launch the phoenix. With its swing wings it has a higher top speed Mach 2.2 and can also turn and burn with the best.

I'd take a F-14 or F-16 over a Hornet anyday.