For over 70 years, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds have been known America’s Ambassadors in Blue. Flying six General Dynamic F-16 Fighting Falcons, a premier multi-role fighter jet, the Thunderbirds, will dazzle spectators with their incredible flying skills. The Thunderbirds reflect the precision and professionalism of American Airmen thrilling millions of spectators around the globe.

The Thunderbirds will be flying all three days of the Air Show.

Quick Facts

The Thunderbirds first civilian show was in July 1953 in Cheyenne, WY for Frontier Days!

The Thunderbirds were named because of the strong Native American culture in the southwestern United States. Native American folklore tells of birdlike creature which creates thunder by flapping its wings. The Native Americans called this creature a “Thunderbird”.

Five other types of aircraft have been used prior to the F-16 Fight Falcon. They are: the F-84G Thunderjet, F-105 Thunderchief, F-100C Super Sabre, F-4 Phantom, and the T-38 Talon.

It only takes 72 hours for a Thunderbird jet to be made combat ready!

The wheels and brakes of the F-16 are made by Collins Aerospace Systems in Troy, Ohio!

F-16 - General Characteristics

Engine
One Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-200

Thrust
27,000 pounds

Wingspan
32 feet, 8 inches

Length
49 feet, 5 inches

Height
16 feet

Speed
Mach 2 at altitude

Combat Range
1,740 nautical miles

Ceiling
Above 50,000 feet

Maximum Takeoff Weight
37,500 pounds

Fuel Capacity
7,000 pounds internally

Crew
One

Unit Cost
$14.6 million (fiscal 98 constant dollars)

Inventory
F-16C/D, 1,017

Website https://afthunderbirds.com/site/

*Please note: The lineup is subject to change without notice due to factors beyond our control - including aircraft availability, weather conditions, or other unforeseen circumstance.