Air Force Thunderbird jets upgraded, now even more amazing

[emshighway]

http://dvice.com/archives/2009/07/air-f ... d.php#more (http://dvice.com/archives/2009/07/air-force-thund.php#more)

[moose135]

We saw them this year at Jones Beach. I found out an interesting fact - during a couple of their performances (I think Saturday was one) they used a D-model (two seater) in the slot position, and flew the show with an external centerline fuel tank. Talking to one of the maintenance troops, he said the F-16 has a fuel tank behind the cockpit, and it's much smaller in the D-model. The more powerful engines in the new jets drink more, so when they use a D-model, especially for off-airport shows, they usually have to use the centerline tank for sufficient fuel capacity.