Introducing the Lockheed Martin F-21...

[AeroplaneDriver]

https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/products/f-21.html

[AS.12]

No-one in LM's marketing division could do a quick Web search for F-21?  Or even just on Wikipedia?

[chrisonord]

Erm, am I missing something here?

[scooter]

Its...an F-16.  Ain't nothing new about it, except one of the CFTs has a retractable probe.


And the real F-21 was the Kfir

No-one in LM's marketing division could do a quick Web search for F-21?  Or even just on Wikipedia?

Of course not.  They're all MBAs and marketing types, not aviation enthusiasts.

[AS.12]

On a tangent, I remember reading in AvWeek that the F-21 aggressor program was an excellent example of contracted support; IAI hired a lot of experienced ex-USN personnel for its US-based support subsidiary, right down to the flightline staff.  And the pilots loved flying them as Mig-23 analogs.

[chrisonord]

Its...an F-16.  Ain't nothing new about it, except one of the CFTs has a retractable probe.


And the real F-21 was the Kfir

No-one in LM's marketing division could do a quick Web search for F-21?  Or even just on Wikipedia?

Of course not.  They're all MBAs and marketing types, not aviation enthusiasts.

My thoughts exactly Scooter.

[kitnut617]

https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/aero-india-f16v-rechristened-f-21-for-new-delhi-455954/

[JayBee]

But they do have a precedent. Boeing renamed the DC-9 series as the Boring 717.
I do not see any of them with four underwing engines and re-fueling equipment.
(The Boeing 717 was Boeing's model number for what became the C-135 series of aircraft.) 

[AeroplaneDriver]

It looks like the cockpit is upgraded a good bit from the F-16.  They are trying to sell it as comparable capabilities to the F-22/35.  On interesting political aspect may be LM's promise to move F-16 production to India if they order it...by renaming the  Block 70 as the F-21 do they get around that I wonder?

[jcf]

But they do have a precedent. Boeing renamed the DC-9 series as the Boring 717.
I do not see any of them with four underwing engines and re-fueling equipment.
(The Boeing 717 was Boeing's model number for what became the C-135 series of aircraft.) 

717-200 actually, with the original renumbered 717-100. 

[jcf]

The F-21A Kfirs were leased aircraft and were returned after being used
for a few years, I wouldn't be surprised if the designation was primarily
for bookkeeping purposes.

Anyhow, designations have been cancelled and reused in the past, and at the
moment L-M can call it anything they want, if they apply to make it an official
designation it'll be up to the DoD to say yeah or nay.

[kerick]

It might be for political reasons in India. Politicians and corporate bigwigs can say its an Indian aircraft. "In India, for India" as the article says.

[Captain Canada]

That's too funny

[AeroplaneDriver]

According to the FAA the 818 is srill the DC-9-90 I believe.  I was halfway through training at AirTran on the MD-95 in 2000 when a better offer appeared.  Had I finished I think my Type Rating would have been DC-9-90. 

[McColm]

It's not April Fool's day for ages