Wed, Apr 01, 2015
SubSonex Jets Will Replace Thunderbird's F-16s
ANN's April 1 'April Fool' Special Edition
Sonex has landed a contract with the U.S. Air Force to provide SubSonex jets as the next aircraft for the Thunderbirds demonstration team.
The company said on April 1 that it was shipping a dozen kits to Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, where they will be assembled and painted in the distinctive Thunderbirds livery. Sonex founder and President John Monnett said that the USAF would be afforded the same consideration as any builder when it comes to assistance with the assembly of the aircraft, and the government was quoted list price. "I guarantee you they won't need any $900 wrenches to put these birds together," Monnett said.
The Thunderbirds will fly this season in their F-16s, but next year they will shift to the SubSonex aircraft. Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James said that the move was strictly a cost-saving measure, and that she's sure that audiences that attend Thunderbirds performances will not be disappointed. "A jets a jet, right?" James said. "They'll still make a lot of noise, fly pretty fast, and can do almost everything that the F-16s can do, as far as the public is concerned. And the're just as cute as they can be. Besides, we can re-purpose the planes they're flying now into combat roles. It's going to be great for the taxpayer," James said.
"And, we can load the whole team up into one C-5A to travel to shows," James said.
Deliveries of the kits are expected to begin in the second quarter of 2015. "They can build 'em fast," Monnett said.
More News
Aero Linx: Model Aeronautical Association of Australia MAAA clubs are about fun flying, camaraderie and community. For over 75 years, the MAAA has been Australia’s largest fl>[...]
Touchdown Zone Lighting Two rows of transverse light bars located symmetrically about the runway centerline normally at 100 foot intervals. The basic system extends 3,000 feet alon>[...]
“Discovery and innovation are central to our mission at Virgin Galactic. We’re excited to build on our successful record of facilitating scientific experiments in subor>[...]
How To Get A Story On Aero-TV News/Feature Programming How do I submit a story idea or lead to Aero-TV? If you would like to submit a story idea or lead, please contact Jim Campbel>[...]
Student Pilot Reported That During Rotation, “All Of A Sudden The Back Of The Plane Kicked To The Right..." Analysis: The student pilot reported that during rotation, “>[...]