Originally published at: F-22 Modernization May Include Older Trainers
Lockheed Martin explores extending F-22 modernization efforts to the Air Force’s Block 20 fleet.
I sure hope the F-22 doing the airshow stunts is an old block 20 and not one of our front line combat ready aircraft. I doubt belive there is any significant decrease in its maneuverability by operating older block and for the viewing public it would be undetectable. Wear out the old ones first!
Sparky if The AF is anything like the navy the demonstration birds usually have the highest airframe times and are in general ready for the scrap heap. they are somewhat demilatarized (not fully due to specific classified systems hthat cannon be removed). Destealthed. Yes in can be done to an extent, and then used only for the demonstration team for flights and practice. The FA 18s now used were part of initial production contract and had limited life compared to current. these had been sitting unused for a while prior to the navy decision to ring the E/F into the blue angles. MY source is the last program manger of the FA 18 EFG at my former employer. I was an RCS materials engineer on the program from 200 to 2004.
The F-22s used in the Demo are combat ready F-22 from Langley, if they needed them to fight a day after a show they are already ready.