a story I read at the time was that the squadron involved was the first squadron certified to be able to shoot down a missle (not sure what kind) in flight.
With the newer Engines, both Bates and Hultgren woudl still be alive
At the time of the crash of the Thunderbirds squadron I read alot about how limited the planes they used were, how they were always pushing the edge of their envelope (I think they were T34s?). They then went to the F16. The big comment was that the engine had so much thrust that, if they got in trouble, they could simply red line it and they'd go ballistic in whatever direction they were pointed at the time. There's often no substitute for lots of pounds of thrust on demand.
I'm retired; soon to join Delta Airlines training program.
Do you know what you'll be flying? It'll be a bit different from what you've flown before. I knew the VP of American at the time they were consdering buying the L-1011. He was in charge of the buy. He had been a military pilot and was still certified, including his multi engine jet, so he took up the plane, along with the execs from Lockheed. According to his story, he asked if it could survive a roll. They assured him it could. So he rolled it. It survived. They lowered the price to what he was offering (which they hadn't been willing to do before). True story or not, you guys are all nuts.... in a good way (g).