No it actually is to train pilots, but that training is not about 'flying' so much as 'flying while fighting', understanding the engagement envelope of red vs b

No it actually is to train pilots, but that training is not about 'flying' so much as 'flying while fighting', understanding the engagement envelope of red vs blue weapons, jammers and sensors. Basically you need to have something tough to go against the JSF or it is a cakewalk and no training is achieved. These Hornets are an excellent 4th gen platform because they have had excellent maintenance and relatively gentle operation. They have all had the HUG 2.2 upgrade and are incredibly capable -- more so than many aircraft operated by the Air National Guard -- but they are too long in the tooth to be going up against modern competitors and be survivable. JTAC training doesn't need high fast flyers, so just like the article says, using them is pointlessly expensive. Hawks and propeller aircraft are more useful. Fast jet flyers often have type certifcation on them from initial training, perfectly adequate for practicing 9 line briefs.