JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds are scheduled to perform in the upcoming Joint Base Andrews Air Show, Sept. 15-17.
Flying six F-16 Fighting Falcons, the team performs precise aerial maneuvers demonstrating the capabilities of Air Force high performance aircraft to people throughout the world.
The F-16 is a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft that has been used in air-to-air combat and air-to-surface attacks. It can locate targets in all weather conditions and detect low flying aircraft. The all-weather capability allows it to accurately deliver ordnance during non-visual bombing conditions.
The demonstration will include approximately 40 maneuvers with a mix of formation flying and solo routines, lasting about 75 minutes. Some of the maneuvers include a reflection pass, a four-aircraft diamond formation, and several fly overs.
In addition to being an Air Force aerial demonstration team, the Thunderbirds are part of the combat force and can be made combat-ready in less than 72 hours.
The squadron performs more than 80 air demonstrations each year, with the season typically going from March to November.
The team is composed of eight pilots (6 demonstration pilots), four support officers, four civilians and more than 100 enlisted personnel performing in almost 30 job specialties.
Officially activated in 1953, the squadron has flown several different aircraft including the F-84F Thunderstreak, F-100 Super Sabre, F-105B Thunderchief, F-4E Phantom II, and the T-38 Talon. They are currently attached to Nellis Air Force Base.
This demonstration at the Andrews Air Show will be commemorating the Air Force’s 70th birthday.