BeechTalk - BT - F-16 SLEP'd Thru 2048

Username Protected · **Posted:** 14 Apr 2017, 14:56

Senators Lockheed and Martin must be very happy! Seems that the Viper is getting a Service Life Extension Program that should keep ~300 flying thru 2048 (12,000 airframe hours).

http://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-bu ... 2048-20155

Username Protected · **Posted:** 14 Apr 2017, 16:55

They've been in service since THE 70's.

In 2048, that'll be seventy plus years - can you imagine a P-51 (F-51) still being in service today? B-52's already have grandsons flying their granddad's planes.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article ... etnam.html

Username Protected · **Posted:** 14 Apr 2017, 18:39

The Block 40 to 52 aircraft mentioned in the article are from 1988 and newer.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 15 Apr 2017, 00:03

Username Protected wrote:

Seems that the Viper is getting a Service Life Extension Program that should keep ~300 flying thru 2048 (12,000 airframe hours).

So much for the saying years ago predicting drones would take over:

"The last US fighter pilot has already been born"

I never believed that.

Mike C.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 15 Apr 2017, 15:45

Boeing has said recently AH-64 will still be flying in 2060! That's crazy.

http://australianaviation.com.au/2017/0 ... to-avalon/

Username Protected · **Posted:** 15 Apr 2017, 20:22

Love that airplane. Wuz a flight surgeon in the early 2000's and have abt 150 hrs in the backseat. Easy to fly with fly by wire just point it where u want to go, always fun landing it from the backseat.