What model F-16 do the Thunderbirds fly?
The Thunderbirds perform aerial demonstrations in the F-16C Fighting Falcon, and they also fly two F-16D twin-seat trainers. The F-16 has been the demonstration aircraft for the Thunderbirds since the 1983 season.
How many F 16s do the Thunderbirds have?
The “Thunderbirds” are the United States Air Force Demonstration Squadron. Also known as “America’s Ambassadors in Blue”, the team flies with six F-16C/D Block 52 aircraft. In total, the “Thunderbirds” use 12 F-16s; nine are C-models (6 used for the displays and the rest in reserve) and three two-seat D-models.
Why are F 16s called Vipers?
The F-16’s official name is “Fighting Falcon”, but “Viper” is commonly used by its pilots and crews, because of a perceived resemblance to a viper snake as well as the Colonial Viper starfighter on Battlestar Galactica which aired at the time the F-16 entered service.
Why is Thunderbird 5 upside down?
Number 5’s engine number is written upside down, so that it can be read correctly. If they fly the calypso pattern, where one plane is flying right side up and the second will be above it, upside down, the upside down plane will always be number 5.
What aircraft did the Thunderbirds fly?
F-16 Fighting Falcon
The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds fly the F-16 Fighting Falcon and perform a combination of formation and solo maneuvers in an inspiring high energy performance. In all, the pilots perform approximately 20 maneuvers during the full demonstration that lasts approximately 45 minutes.
Why don t the Blue Angels wear G-suits?
However, Blue Angels pilots do not wear G-suits, as the inflation and deflation of the suit would interfere with the control stick between the pilots’ legs and impact flight safety.
Who is older Blue Angels or Thunderbirds?
The Blue Angels were formed in 1946, shortly after WWII ended. The Thunderbirds were born seven years later, only six years after the Air Force was founded. Both were created as goodwill programs with the hopes of educating people about the Navy and Air Force and keeping up interest and support in military programs.
Do the Thunderbirds fight in combat?
The squadron’s F-16s are only slightly modified for air demos and can be made combat ready within 72 hours. According to the Air Force, the Thunderbirds’ F-16s still have all the capabilities of any other combat-ready fighter.