What Block F-16 do the Thunderbirds fly?
The block 32H/J aircraft currently assigned to the Thunderbirds were built in 1986 and 1987, and operated by the Thunderbirds from 1992 to 2008. At their retirement, they were some of the oldest operational F-16s in the Air Force.
What block are the Thunderbirds?
“Thunderbirds”
| Air Demonstration Squadron “Thunderbirds” (USAF ACC) | |
|---|---|
| Status: | Active |
| Version: | F-16C/D block 52 |
| Role: | Demonstrations |
| Tailband: | N/A |
What model F-16 do the Thunderbirds fly?
While the jet may look the same on the outside to Latham’s days in the cockpit, the team currently flies the Block 52 variant, the latest model of the fighter aircraft model, powered by a Pratt and Whitney F100-PW-229 engine that propels the jet to speeds of up to 1,500 miles per hour and allows the team to pull …
What Air Force bases have F-16?
Air Combat Command
- 20th Fighter Wing – Shaw AFB, South Carolina. 55th Fighter Squadron. 77th Fighter Squadron.
- 53d Wing – Eglin AFB, Florida. 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron. 422d Test and Evaluation Squadron, Nellis AFB, Nevada.
- 57th Wing – Nellis AFB, Nevada. 64th Aggressor Squadron. United States Air Force Thunderbirds.
What kind of planes do the Thunderbirds fly?
Through air shows and flyovers, they aim to excite and inspire. In addition to showcasing the elite skills all pilots must possess, the Thunderbirds demonstrate the incredible capabilities of the Air Force’s premier multi-role fighter jet, the F-16 Fighting Falcon.
Do the Thunderbirds fly 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.
What kind of F-16s do the Thunderbirds fly?
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Florida — Just like their combat Falcon counterparts, the Air Force Thunderbirds F-16s are receiving the same upgrades to keep the jets flying for decades into the future, officials said. The Thunderbirds fly the Block 52 variant F-16C and D models.
When was the US Air Force Thunderbirds activated?
Present-day USAF Thunderbirds carry the lineage, history, and honors of the 30th on active duty. After six months training in an unofficial status, the Thunderbirds were activated on 25 May 1953 as the 3600th Air Demonstration Team at Luke AFB, just west of Phoenix.
How many miles per hour can a F-16 Block 52 fly?
The aircraft — which can reach speeds of up to 1,500 miles per hour and altitudes of more than 50,000 feet — fly multiple shows a year, in addition to routine training.
How many Jets does the Air Force Thunderbirds have?
(Photo: Air Force Thunderbirds). The Thunderbirds will normally fly six jets during a show, but could fly eight. They have two spares per show — either C or D models — but have three backup jets total, bringing their fleet to 11 jets.