Posted on 04/30/2002 9:44:59 PM PDT by gorio
Newest Thundrbird Aircraft Selected
By Paul Wisenheimer, Yesterday Today
LAS VEGAS – In an effort to curtail spending for the war on terrorism and showcase America’s latest premier weapons system, it was announced today they are changing the Thundrbirds aircraft from the venerable F-16 Fighting Falcon to the RQ-1 Predator for the 2003 season.
A select group of crack RQ-1 pilots have been formed at Running Springs Auxiliary Field near Las Vegas, NV to hone their flying tight formation and daring aerobatic maneuvers.
Top generals are hoping that the change from the F-16 to the RQ-1 will also help serve as a recruiting tool within the services to attract more pilots to fly the Predator.
The Predator Thundrbirds group is undergoing a grueling qualification training program that is expected to be complete by the end of the 2002 air show season. The “New Thundrbirds” will make their aerial debut at Pratt, Kansas Municipal Airport March 15, 2003.
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