In preparing the Lockheed Martin F16 Fighting Falcons for the JB MDL Open House and Air Show, the Thunderbirds’ maintenance and prep team put on a show as engaging and exact as the pilot’s flying demonstrations.
The Thunderbirds wowed the crowd with precision flying formations which at certain points had the planes only 18 inches apart.Â
The Thunderbirds have been performing since 1953 and average 75 performances per year. More than 300 million people have seen their more than 4,000 demonstrations. Not once has a Thunderbirds performance been cancelled due to maintenance issues.
The Thunderbirds are more than a demonstration unit. They are part of the U.S. military’s combat force. The team can be rapidly integrated into a fighter unit at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada and be ready in less than 72 hours.
According to the Air Force, the Thunderbird’s Flying Falcons can exceed speeds of 400 MPH during flying formations and 700 MPH during solo maneuvers. The aircraft is capable of Mach 2 speeds but does not fly that fast during air shows.Â
