A mid-air collision between two US Navy fighter jets at an air show in Idaho last weekend has once again raised questions about why the Pentagon risks millions of dollars worth of fighter jets and crews for entertainment and shows.
elchi reports that the crash, which occurred during the “Gunfighter Skies” air show at Mountain Home Air Force Base, involved two EA-18 Growler electronic warfare aircraft built on F/A-18 platforms.
Navy officials stated that all four crew members ejected from the aircraft, with only one requiring hospitalization due to non-life-threatening injuries.
According to 2021 Navy data, each of these aircraft costs $68 million, and since production is no longer ongoing, actual replacement costs are expected to be higher. The hourly flight cost for aircraft in the F/A-18 family is approximately $20,000.
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