My how time flies. No pun intended! I've always thought the F 86 was such a cool looking jet.

I consider it sad that modern jets stay in service so long. I have read bios of 4-star USAF generals, and they list aircraft flown as T-37/T-38 (trainers), F-16A, and F-16C. MAYBE a onesy-twosie support aircraft if they had special duty, or something sexy like the F-117 or U-2. . .

In earlier years, they would often have F-100, F-102, F-106, F-104, F-4, F-101, F-105, etc experience.

Granted, today's F-16 is MUCH more capable than they were 40-50 yrs ago, but I do miss the variety of aircraft types.

The B-52 is circa 1955. 68. Same as me!

Ugh. I remember when the F16 was new. Now I feel old.

quote:

Originally posted by YooperSigs:
The B-52 is circa 1955. 68. Same as me!

There are stories of three generations ( grandfather,father,son) flying B52’s and despite efforts to replace them, it is projected they will fly at least until 2050.

quote:

Originally posted by captain127:

...it is projected they will fly at least until 2050.

With new engines:

https://www.airandspaceforces....-engined-b-52-b-52j/

A young person who joins the Army today could find himself firing the very same M2 as his great grandfather. How about that for a weapon to make you feel old.

I think it’s great that an airframe has managed to remain relevant for so many years. I hope to go to my grave with the U.S. still flying F15 and A10 aircraft types.

quote:

Originally posted by captain127:

quote:

Originally posted by YooperSigs:
The B-52 is circa 1955. 68. Same as me!

There are stories of three generations ( grandfather,father,son) flying B52’s and despite efforts to replace them, it is projected they will fly at least until 2050.

... and they keep saying the A-10 is 'too old' to continue service.

Ugh that is the truth!

quote:

Originally posted by YooperSigs:

The B-52 is circa 1955. 68. Same as me!

Late 1950's, I was sitting in the base movie theater with a friend of mine, watching this film.



Comes the scene where Natalie Wood is about to confess to her grumpy old sergeant father, that she is dating a Colonel, a B52 pilot, whom her father hates.

Natalie: "Daddy, there's something I have to tell you."

My friend, sitting next to me, in a loud falsetto that could be heard at every seat in the theater: "I'm gonna have a BAY-BEE!"

"A Gathering of Eagles" is another good movie featuring the BUFF:

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0057090/?ref_=fn_tt_tt_1

B-52G MITO, check out the smoke and Hound Dogs.
Clarification: The air-to ground missile, not the SF member.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cq6Hpxyrhyo

It was filmed at Beale, called "Carmody AFB" in the movie.

According to the innerweb, the first C-130 flight was in August, 1954. Sigcrazy7 referenced the M2's longevity; found this article from several years back:

https://www.gunsamerica.com/di...d-still-works-great/

quote:

Originally posted by Sigmund:
"A Gathering of Eagles" is another good movie featuring the BUFF:

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0057090/?ref_=fn_tt_tt_1

B-52G MITO, check out the smoke and Hound Dogs.
Clarification: The air-to ground missile, not the SF member.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cq6Hpxyrhyo

It was filmed at Beale, called "Carmody AFB" in the movie.

I do love the Hound Dog missile, though. . .

I am so old, my favorite Air Force movie is Strategic Air Command with Jimmy Stewart. He introduced the B36 to the audience, and at the very end was the exciting prospect of flying a B 47 with which was an all jet bomber.

I think this one was in the air about sixty years ago...

The F-86D Saber Jet is my all time favorite aircraft. Classic lines and analog flight controls. I wonder what the cost per hour of flight time would be for one of these - if you could find one and afford to buy it!

Found one. only $1.1M and near me as well. Now where is my checkbook?

1952 North American Sabre
Overview
Extensive spares and support package included!
Price:
$1,100,000 USD
Offered By: Courtesy Aircraft
Registration: N188RL
S/N: 52-4986
Location: Rockford, Illinois
United States
Days Active: 28 days ago
Airframe
Total Time: 5,750 Hours

quote:

Originally posted by bob ramberg:
The F-86D Saber Jet is my all time favorite aircraft.

The Navy version is even better. Folding wings, and a tail hook.

Here are a couple of them, chasing one of our Regulus missiles:

If I were to have a 50year old aircraft it would be the Northrop F5. Looks fast just sitting on a runway. If not an A4 would be nice.