"The Raven" wrote:
"Jim Atkins" wrote:

If the AF plans to keep the big bad BUFF around much longer, seems like
reengining is a must- where do you get those ancient TF-33 parts?

There must be plenty of TF-33 parts around. You have almost 100 BUFFs with 8
engines, now consider how many spares need to be in the supply
pipeline...............

Down in Miami, for example, there are countless engine shops and
repair stations specializing in JT-3D/TF-33 maintenance (I labored
in these sweatshops myself as an A&P). Many of the engines weren't
even going back on airplanes and were rebuilt with the fans removed
for industrial use (powerplants for pipelines etc.) JT-3D/TF-33 parts
galore. And should they run out of parts, the most sensible engine
change would be the even more ubiquitous JT-8D engines used on
727, 737, DC-9 and MD-80 A/C.

-Mike Marron