Your thoughts on the new F35's coming to Tucson? (how much, new home)

[polo708]

I cant believe that nobody has made a thread about this yet, since its all the talk the last few months.

The new F35 "Lightning" jet fighter will most likely be making its new home at Tucson International Airport. TIA is currently the front runner to win the bid as the new jets first home but they are of course getting some protesters who are concerned about the added noise.

What are your thoughts on the new possible addition?

My opinion... added noise is never great but the added jobs, money and spotlight that will be brought to the city of Tucson and the airport itself far out weighs the added noise. Also, if you can seriously tell me that you can notice the sound difference between an F16 at full afterburner and an F35 then I'd say you are either ignorant or have super hero hearing powers, lol. Im a believer that people will complain about things like this just to complain.

Again, your thoughts?


If you want more info on the subject then you can read some FAQs and background stories here:
Tucson Lightning bring the F-35 Lightning, to the Arizona Air National Guard base at Tucson International Airport

[polo708]

Also, something else to consider is that the Arizona Air National Guard will eventually go wherever the F35 bid is won. This means that there will be no more ANG here in Tucson... meaning less jobs and a loss of $280 million plus from Tucson's economy.

This is quoted directly from tucsonf35.com:

The new mission will mean our Guardsmen and their families will continue to spend money here and student pilots will continue to live on the economy long after 2025. In addition, the Air National Guard purchases a large amount of goods and services locally from private-sector companies throughout Tucson. In fact, the economic impact of the 162nd Fighter Wing to the local economy is $280 million annually. Thus, the F-35 mission will sustain that positive impact for decades to come. As a more immediate benefit, if the wing makes the final selection list Tucson can anticipate receiving a large investment, millions of dollars, from the federal government for construction-related projects for F-35 bed down. Those projects would translate to a direct impact on Tucson's economy through additional construction jobs.

Im a supporter and I'd gladly live with a bit more noise to keep local jobs and money for the city. We are hurting as it is... this can only help in my opinion.

[Ritchie_az]

I don't think it's official (yet) that the F-35 will be in Tucson. But (like polo708 said) there is an economic advantage to having them at TIA. The noise difference between the F-16 and F-35 is minimal (probably unnoticable to the "naked ear"), so I don't really see that as an issue.
But, as sure as I'm typing this, folks will come out of the woodwork to oppose the F-35's in Tucson (and the local media will play it up).

[sierraAZ]

Originally Posted by polo708

The new F35 "Lightning" jet fighter will most likely be making its new home at Tucson International Airport.

I sure hope NOT!

[polo708]

Whats up Sierra... why would you not want them here?

I think not getting them would be disastrous for the city. Hell, they are currently talking about cutting funding for education by more than 100 million again this year. They cut it by something like 140 million last year... imagine what cuts they'd have to make if the ANG was gone in 5-10 years taking more than 280 million/year and 2,000+ jobs with them.

Not to mention the reduction in jobs/contracts by RAYTHEON since there will be no ANG support right next door. A lot of the missile testing support is dependent on the fighter aircraft at the 162nd. RAYTHEON is the #2 employer in all of Tucson.

Just curious why you feel its a bad thing? Is it the noise?

[sierraAZ]

Originally Posted by polo708

Is it the noise?

Yes, mostly. My allergy to the military is secondary.

[Finger Laker]

this is a big discussion up here with Luke being considered to be a training ground

from what I can gather there is a noticeable difference in noise - it's just hard to quantify how much because most of the studies are backed by agendas either for or against

i'd love for them to spend a day flying normal patterns with them - open disclosure and the like

[polo708]

Originally Posted by sierraAZ

Yes, mostly. My allergy to the military is secondary.

This is a military city... the military is why this place has grown. D-M AFB is the #1 employer of Tucson, RAYTHEON and their military contracts are #2 and the ANG is in the top 5. With all that said im surprised you live here Sierra, lol. No military love?

Originally Posted by Finger Laker

this is a big discussion up here with Luke being considered to be a training ground

I know Luke isn't "competing" with TIA for the F35's. TIA would be receiving a bulk of the first 300 or so F35's produced. Luke will definitely be getting them since they are replacing the F16s but won't get them until years after this first batch is delivered.

Originally Posted by Finger Laker

i'd love for them to spend a day flying normal patterns with them - open disclosure and the like

I think the city asked about that but the idea got turned down.

[sierraAZ]

Originally Posted by polo708

This is a military city... the military is why this place has grown. D-M AFB is the #1 employer of Tucson, RAYTHEON and their military contracts are #2 and the ANG is in the top 5. With all that said im surprised you live here Sierra, lol. No military love?

They happen to be here... and I happen to be here... That about sums up our relationship! Only that I don’t bother them and they bother ME!

[ZonyPony]

Hey!

I'm 100% FOR jet noise, which for me, and most others who live here, represents FREEDOM! Bring the new F-35's here to Tucson whenever they want to be here. I've always loved DM, TIA, and the ANG... and its planes flying all around.

FREEDOM, baby, FREEDOM!