History of the Thunderbirds

Who are the Thunderbirds?

The Thunderbirds are the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron. This team of highly trained Air Force pilots has performed all around the world. They specialize in precise air maneuvers that put the aircraft very close together. During certain maneuvers, the planes can be as little as one and a half feet apart.

Who is older? The Thunderbirds of the Blue Angels?

The Blue Angels were established as the Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron on April 24, 1946.  The Thunderbirds were formed on June 1, 1953. Therefore, the Blue Angels are older. However, both flight teams showcase the incredible talents of skilled pilots while demonstrating the precision and professionalism of the men and women enlisted in the Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force. 

How many planes are in the Thunderbirds?

There are six F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets used in air show demonstrations. Four pilots take part in the precision Diamond formation. The other two pilots show off the capabilities and power of the F-16 while performing solos. During flight demonstrations, audiences are treated to 30 different maneuvers. 

How many people are in the Thunderbirds?

The main squadron consists of eight pilots, four support officers, and three civilians. Many people are surprised to learn that, in addition to their main squadron, more than 130 enlisted personnel representing 25 different U.S. Air Force career fields are part of the Thunderbirds.

These personnel are essential members of the Thunderbirds. Their responsibility is to ensure all operations and jets are well-maintained at all times. 

Do the Thunderbirds fight in combat?

The Thunderbirds consist of active duty pilots who are part of the U.S. Air Force’s combat force. If they are called upon, the Thunderbirds’ aircraft can be made combat-ready in 72 hours or less. Once combat-ready, the Thunderbirds can be quickly integrated into a fighter unit and deployed from Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas. 

Thunderbirds History Timeline

• June 1, 1953 - The 3600th Air Demonstration Team was officially activated at Luke Air Force Base near Glendale, AZ.

• 1955 - The Thunderbirds switched from the F-84G Thunderjet to the F-84F Thunderstreak.

• 1956 - The Thunderbirds were relocated to their current home at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas. They switched to the F-100 Super Sabre fighter jet the same year. 

• 1964 - The Thunderbirds performed six shows in the Republic F-105 Thunderchief, but due to the extensive modifications required, they returned to using the F-100s. 

• 1969 - The Thunderbirds switched to the F-4E Phantom jet.

• 1974 - The Thunderbirds flew the world’s first supersonic trainer jet - the T-38 Talon - due to rising fuel costs. 

• 1982 - In January, during a training exercise of the Diamond Formation, all four planes crashed, killing all four pilots. This is considered one of the worst Thunderbird accidents in their history. Later that summer, the new F-16As were painted in the Thunderbird colors - red, white, and blue - in anticipation of being able to resume flying. 

• 1983 - The Thunderbirds transitioned to the F-16A and also reinstituted demonstrations of front-line fighting capabilities after they resumed flying in April. 

• 1986 - The Thunderbirds help rededicate the Statue of Liberty on July 3rd. In September of this year, they set a new total attendance record of over 200 million.

• 1987 - On July 4th, over 2.25 million people watched the Thunderbirds perform at Coney Island. The Thunderbirds were the first to perform a demonstration in a communist country - Beijing, China. 

• 1992 - The jets were transitioned to the F-16C.

• 1996 - The Thunderbirds participated in the opening ceremonies of the Centennial Olympic games on July 19th in Atlanta with a flyover as The Star-Spangled Banner was performed. 

• 2003 - During their 50th Anniversary celebration, the Thunderbirds made television history during the Coca-Cola 600 with the lead pilot announcing the start of the race from his jet. 

• 2006 - Major Nicole Malachowski was selected as the first woman demo pilot, being assigned to the right wing position. 

• 2007 - Major Samantha Weeks was the second woman to join the demo pilots. She was assigned the opposing solo position. For the first time since 9/11, the Thunderbirds also returned to European shows and made their debut in Ireland.

• 2013 - Due to budget concerns, the Thunderbirds and Blue Angels canceled all shows. 

• 2020 - The Thunderbirds and Blue Angels flew together over New York City as part of the America Strong tour to honor first responders, healthcare workers, and other essential personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

• 2021- For the first time in over 40 years, the Thunderbirds changed their routine, which debuted on April 17th with the first flight demonstration since the pandemic. The Thunderbirds also paired up with the Blue Angels to debut the Super Delta formation on Memorial Day weekend in Washington, D.C., where both flight teams flew together in a tight “V” formation. In August, both teams performed individual shows at Thunder Over Michigan. 

Fly Like a Thunderbird Pilot in Las Vegas

When you want to experience some serious moves and the G-forces like the Thunderbirds, Sky Combat Ace offers a wide range of flight experiences to make your dreams come true. From dogfights and dives to spins and rolls, we can give you the best flying experience in Las Vegas. 

If you plan to be in Las Vegas in November 2022, you can check out the Thunderbirds in action at Nellis Air Force Base on the 5th or 6th during the Aviation National Air Show.

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