USAF Thunderbirds grounded!

[Dizel8]

The USAF T-birds will apparently not perform today in Chicago. Yesterday, the show was cut short after a piece (Missile Rail?!) fell from one of the aircraft.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-0508210227aug21,1,4214715.story?coll=chi-news-hed

 

[ExAF]

Does anyone know if they traded paint or was is simply a dropped object?

 

[Dizel8]

The "News" said they "traded paint".

 

[Mmmmmm Burritos]

They did. Check out these pictures!

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1019&message=14706028

 

[MJG]

Missle Rails....We don't need no stinking missle rails....


Seriously though No. 4 looked as if he was just a little outside of his "alotted" box. Just an observation, not a critique as I surely couldn't do any better....

 

[StrykerFL]

Saw them touch at an airshow at Patrick AFB about 4 years ago. They promptly cancelled the show. I think that they put on a pretty good show, but the Blues by far are a better demo team.

 

[CCDiscoB]

Amazing pictures.

I hope the pilot isn't fired, as often happens when an incident occurs like this one.

 

[Doug Parker]

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Anybody notice that #4 is flying a Family-model Viper ???

Would that have anything to do with the rubbing of paint ??

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[Mmmmmm Burritos]

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Anybody notice that #4 is flying a Family-model Viper ???

Would that have anything to do with the rubbing of paint ??

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Nah, they only have so many planes and if one is down for maintenance, they will use the 2-seater. I've seen then use it in just about every position. It's really no different. Is the wingspan slightly longer?

 

[Ill Mitch]

Nah, they only have so many planes and if one is down for maintenance, they will use the 2-seater. I've seen then use it in just about every position. It's really no different. Is the wingspan slightly longer?

Aren't you sitting a little more forward when in the family wagon?

 

[stonewall]

Aren't you sitting a little more forward when in the family wagon?

It feels that way....but no. S*** happens when you fly 3'x3' 200+ times a year.

 

[C40_Pilot]

From this angle, looks like the right wingman, #3? is in too tight, not the slot man. Check out how the missile rails on leads left side all line up but not on his right. The slot looks tucked in nice.

 

[RJP]

Didn't you all hear that this is actually part of the show now? Since they've never flown as tight as the Blues or anyone else for that matter, they thought they'd show how close they really could get! No other team gets as tight as the chickens!

 

[Dizel8]

Just curious, why not remove the rails? Are they a structural part of the wing?

 

[Doug Parker]

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Was the new Chick pilot involved or does she start next year?



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[Dizel8]

I think I saw her on TV as the spokesperson, so if that is the case, the answer is no.

 

[Dep676]

I was in Chicago last week and seen them flying right over downtown and Navy Pier. I didn't know what they were doing. I assuming practicing.

 

[f18pugsley]

Just curious, why not remove the rails? Are they a structural part of the wing?

The Hornet must fly with the rails. They act as 'winglets' to help control wingtip vortices. I would bet the F-16 wing is similar.

 

[I.P. Freley]

*ding ding ding ding!*

 

[Huggyu2]

Next season. I think she starts training in Nov.