It looks like no one here went to Nellis Airshow. However we got to bring in our A-37B (S/N 87921) after a 20 year restoration. It was the first public display of the aircraft, and it was a big hit. 1st photo is from the Nellis ramp this weekend.
Two Vietnamese AF pilots that flew it stopped by and said hi... very interesting since the jet was delivered in '69 directly to the South Vietnamese AF.
They flew it for 6 years and about 2200 hours of combat time. It has the 7.62 patches as a reminder. When Saigon fell 29 April 1975, it was captured by the North. We have pics of the NV crews with the jet 2-4 days after Saigon fell, and it actually flew combat missions against the South. The 2nd photo is of 87921 in NV hands.
This is the only A-37B currently flying in North America. I think it is one of only 3 flying in the world.
We are discussing having me fly an aerobatic routine in 2020 with it. However it will only be at a few select airshows on the West Coast.
With full wing and tip tanks and 2 pilots, it weighs 9,000 lbs. The J-85's are putting out ~2750 lbs thrust each. Needless to say, for those of you that flew the T-37, there is no comparison. The acceleration is spectacular. The owner has done a fantastic job, and the cockpit is like new. The only additions are an Aspen unit and a new ADS-B and transponder. The ejection seats are cold.
Side note: the Combined Arms Demo that the 57th Wing flew was unbelievable. ACC must have waived everything they've had in the AFI because for once I was blown away by an AF "display". The jets were puking flares like it was going out of style. Loud, fast, low. Nice job to Maj "Stranger" Davenport and the Nellis folks for a jaw-dropping display.