![]() The T-38 was more fuel-efficient and less costly to maintain than the larger F-4.Įarly in 1983, the Thunderbirds reinstituted their traditional role of demonstrating the Air Force's front-line fighter capabilities. In 1974, the Thunderbirds converted to the T-38 Talon, the world's first supersonic trainer. After only six shows, in 1964, due to an extensive modification that became necessary on all Thunderchiefs, the Thunderbirds returned to the F-100.įrom 1969 to 1973, the Thunderbirds flew the Air Force's front-line fighter, the F-4E Phantom. The team changed briefly to the Republic F-105 Thunderchief. More than 1,000 demonstrations were flown in the Super Sabre, thrilling spectators around the world. At the same time theThunderbirds traded the veteran F-84 for the world's first supersonic fighter, the F-100 Super Sabre - an aerial platform that would serve the Thunderbirds for 13 years. In June 1956, the team moved to its current home at Nellis. Early in 1955 the team transitioned to the swept-winged F-84F Thunderstreak. Their first aircraft was the straight-winged F-84G Thunderjet, a combat fighter-bomber that had seen action in Korea. The Thunderbirds were officially activated June 1, 1953, as the 3600th Air Demonstration Team at Luke AFB, Ariz. The only modifications needed to prepare the aircraft for its air demonstration role are installing a smoke-generating system in the space normally reserved for the 20mm cannon, and the painting of the aircraft in Thunderbird colors. This highly maneuverable multi-role fighter has proven to be one of the world's best precision tactical bombers and air-to-air combat aircraft. The Lockheed Martin (formerly General Dynamics) F-16 represents the full range of capabilities possessed by the Air Force's tactical fighters. Since the aircraft are only slightly modified, they can be made combat-ready in less than 72 hours. If required, the team's personnel and aircraft can be rapidly integrated into a fighter unit at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. Air Force aerial demonstration team, the Thunderbirds are part of our combat force. ![]() In addition to their responsibilities as the official U.S. More than 300 million people in all 50 states and 58 foreign countries have seen the red, white and blue jets in more than 4,000 aerial demonstrations. The squadron performs approximately 75 demonstrations each year and has never canceled a demonstration due to maintenance difficulty. Replacements must be trained for about half of the team each year, providing a constant mix of experience. Officers serve a two-year assignment with the squadron, while enlisted personnel serve three to four. The season lasts from March to November, with the winter months used to train new members. The entire show, including ground and air, runs about an hour and fifteen minutes. The pilots perform approximately 30 maneuvers in a demonstration. The four-aircraft diamond formation demonstrates the training and precision of Air Force pilots, while the solo aircraft highlight the maximum capabilities of the F-16 Fighting Falcon. The Thunderbirds squadron is an Air Combat Command unit composed of eight pilots (including six demonstration pilots), four support officers, three civilians and more than 130 enlisted personnel performing in 25 career fields.Ī Thunderbirds air demonstration is a mix of formation flying and solo routines. To represent the United States and its armed forces to foreign nations and to project international goodwill ![]() To support Air Force community relations and people-to-people programs To strengthen morale and esprit de corps among Air Force members To reinforce public confidence in the Air Force and to demonstrate to the public the professional competence of Air Force members ![]() To support Air Force recruiting and retention programs The squadron exhibits the professional qualities the Air Force develops in the people who fly, maintain and support these aircraft. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, performs precision aerial maneuvers demonstrating the capabilities of Air Force high performance aircraft to people throughout the world. ![]()
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