Thunderbirds receive first upgraded F-16
by Capt. Genieve David
75th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
11/5/2007 - HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah (AFPN) -- Hill Air Force Base officials rolled out the first of 11 configured F-16 Fighting Falcons for the Air Force Thunderbirds aerial demonstration team.
During a ceremonial hand over Oct. 24, attended by incoming 2008-2009 Thunderbirds commander and lead pilot Lt. Col. Greg Thomas, and a full house of media, military and civilian spectators, Ogden Air Logistics Center officials presented the first converted jet to the aerial demonstration team.
Each aircraft will receive a Block 52 upgrade, which includes the Falcon Structural Augmentation Roadmap program, also known as Falcon STAR. The program replaces or repairs the known life-limited structures. This avoids the onset of widespread fatigue damage in order to maintain flight safety, enhance aircraft availability and extend the life of affected components.
Full story
http://www.af.mil/news/story_print.asp?id=123074393
by Capt. Genieve David
75th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
11/5/2007 - HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah (AFPN) -- Hill Air Force Base officials rolled out the first of 11 configured F-16 Fighting Falcons for the Air Force Thunderbirds aerial demonstration team.
During a ceremonial hand over Oct. 24, attended by incoming 2008-2009 Thunderbirds commander and lead pilot Lt. Col. Greg Thomas, and a full house of media, military and civilian spectators, Ogden Air Logistics Center officials presented the first converted jet to the aerial demonstration team.
Each aircraft will receive a Block 52 upgrade, which includes the Falcon Structural Augmentation Roadmap program, also known as Falcon STAR. The program replaces or repairs the known life-limited structures. This avoids the onset of widespread fatigue damage in order to maintain flight safety, enhance aircraft availability and extend the life of affected components.
Full story
http://www.af.mil/news/story_print.asp?id=123074393
