USAF Wake-up call

[sheepherder]

Originally Posted by Ron Smith

I do know that the Air Force was or is considering the purchase of F-18s...

I found an Aug 2009 post on this -

http://www.govexec.com/defense/2009/...y-f-18s/29710/

...But don't see any follow-ups...It would be interesting to see what happened to this idea...The F/A-18 has folding wings, talihook, special shock absorbing front wheels, all designed for high-impact carrier landings...I'm sure there are other differences between Navy strike aircraft and land-based fighters/interceptors not needed for land bases...Not to mention training of aircrew & ground personnel & logistical support, repair facilities...Agh...

I was reading just the other day that Navy/Marine F/A-18 carrier jets have a 'towel rack' in front of the pilot, so his non-throttle hand isn't on the 'stick' during catapult takeoffs...If it were, it would be pressed back into his lap at 7G and flip the aircraft on its back...