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How fast do the Blue Angels fly during an air show?
The Planes The Blue Angels fly a current Navy and Marine combat plane, the F/A-18 Super Hornet, with the nose cannon removed and a smoke-oil tank added. It can fly at almost twice the speed of sound (1440 mph) but in the show goes up to 700 mph, just under the sound barrier.
How fast are the Thunderbirds flying?
In their most extreme maneuvers, the Thunderbirds fly as low as 100 feet off the ground and at speeds of over 700mph! When the two solos cross over the crowd in afterburner, it signals that all six jets are coming together.
How long do Thunderbirds pilots fly for team?
The squadron includes six pilots, who fly with the team for two years (half the pilots are replaced each year), and some 135 support personnel. The squadron, which practices and performs 50 weeks a year, is stationed at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas.
How long do Thunderbird pilots serve?
Officers serve a two-year assignment with the squadron, while enlisted personnel serve three to four. Replacements must be trained for about half of the team each year, providing a constant mix of experience.
Are Thunderbirds faster than Blue Angels?
Each plane can reach speeds above 1,500 miles per hour, but keep the throttle limited to 700 mph during exhibition shows. So, when it comes to planes, both squadrons are in close competition. The Thunderbirds will continue to fly the F-16 Fighting Hornet, while the Blue Angels have transitioned to a new plane.
How much do Blue Angel pilots make?
Blue Angels SalaryAnnual SalaryMonthly PayTop Earners$95,000$7,91675th Percentile$48,000$4,000Average$45,416$3,78425th Percentile$25,000$2,083
How close do the Thunderbirds fly to each other?
As Thunderbird 1, Caldwell leads the Thunderbirds signature flying formations with as many as seven other pilots flying at speeds topping 500 miles per hour and with wing tips less than 18 inches apart from each other.
Can a civilian ride in a Thunderbird?
Civilians rarely have the chance to fly with the Thunderbirds. Unlike a monster truck show at a local racetrack, the Thunderbirds do not sell rides. However, the Thunderbirds occasionally arrange special flights for reporters, officials, and various VIPs.
Are there any female Thunderbird pilots?
Major Lauren “Threat” Schlichting '12 is one of only six female pilots in the 69-year history of the squadron and the second female Thunderbird to have graduated from the University of St.
Do Thunderbird pilots wear G suits?
Unlike the "Blue Angels" during the airshows, the "Thunderbirds" pilots do employ "G"-suits. The team does not normally exceed 88 shows in a single year.
Why don t the Blue Angels wear G suits?
However, Blue Angels pilots do not wear G-suits, as the inflation and deflation of the suit would interfere with the control stick between the pilots' legs and impact flight safety.
Do the Blue Angels fight in combat?
The Blue Angels are an operational Navy squadron, but they do not fight in combat. While some on their team have combat experience, the Blue Angels as a squadron with 11 aircraft, does not deploy and fight.
How close do the Thunderbirds fly to each other?
As Thunderbird 1, Caldwell leads the Thunderbirds signature flying formations with as many as seven other pilots flying at speeds topping 500 miles per hour and with wing tips less than 18 inches apart from each other.
Is the F 22 better than the F 35?
The F-22 is the epitome of air dominance and unparalleled in its design and capabilities. Though also a formidable aircraft, the primary purpose of the F-35 is to update and replace aging models of fighter planes to ensure a strong and mission-ready fleet.
How many crashes have the Thunderbirds had?
Only three fatal crashes have occurred during air shows, two of them in jets: The first was the death of Major Joe Howard, flying Thunderbird No.
Which is better F-16 or F 18?
The F-16 has a greater range by far when compared to the F-18, meaning it can stay in the air much longer without the need to refuel while accomplishing a mission. It also can handle more G forces than the F-18, so it has the advantage in a dog fight.
How far do you fly from wingtip to wingtip in Thunderbirds?
During the Thunderbirds air demonstration, pilots showcase their skills and capabilities by flying only a few feet from wingtip to wingtip.
When did the Thunderbirds become the first supersonic team?
The Thunderbirds became the world’s first supersonic aerial demonstration team when it transitioned to the F-100C Super Sabre in 1956.
How many people attended the Thunderbirds' 50th anniversary?
In 1997, the Thunderbirds celebrated the Air Force's 50th anniversary by performing 57 demonstrations for more than 12 million people.
When was the first air demonstration?
The United States Air Force introduced its first official air demonstration team on May 25, 1953, at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz.
Who is the commander of the Thunderbird?
Lt. Col. Jason Heard is the current Commander of the Thunderbird. Lt. Col. Heard has logged more than 3,000 flight hours and has 788 hours of combat experience.
What is the F-16 Falcon?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon is the ninth aircraft used by the demonstration team and has been flown by the Thunderbirds since 1983.
Why do the Thunderbirds perform?
The Thunderbirds perform for people all around the world to display the pride, precision and professionalism the U.S. Air Force represents. Through air shows and flyovers, they aim to excite and inspire.
What is the Thunderbird inspired by?
The Thunderbird was inspired by the Southwest’s Native American culture, where the team is based.
How many aircraft are in the F-16 demonstration?
The demonstration is a mix of six aircraft performing formation flying and solo routines. The four-ship Diamond formation showcases the precision and training of U.S. Air Force Pilots, as well as the gracefulness of the F-16. The two solos display the power and maximum capabilities of the mighty F-16 Fighting Falcon, a frontline fighter.
How long do the Thunderbirds serve?
Officers serve a two-year assignment with the squadron, while enlisted personnel serve three to four years. As the squadron performs no more than 88 air demonstrations each year, replacements must be trained for about half of the team each year, in order to provide a constant mix of experience. In addition to their air demonstration responsibilities, the Thunderbirds are part of the USAF combat force and if required, can be rapidly integrated into an operational fighter unit. Since 15 February 1974 the Thunderbirds have been a component of the 57th Wing at Nellis AFB. Since 1953, they have flown in front of more than 300 million people.
What aircraft does the Thunderbirds fly?
The Thunderbirds perform aerial demonstrations in the F-16C Fighting Falcon, and they also fly two F-16D twin-seat trainers.
What is the Thunderbirds squadron?
The Thunderbirds Squadron is a named USAF squadron, meaning it does not carry a numerical designation. It is also one of the oldest squadrons in the Air Force, its origins dating to the organization of the 30th Aero Squadron, formed at Kelly Field, Texas, on 13 June 1917.
What engine does the 2009 Thunderbird use?
Additionally, the more powerful Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 engine adds an additional 3,600 lbf of thrust. This in turn increases the maximum allowable gross weight for ground handling, taxi, takeoff and in-flight maneuvers by nearly 5,000 lb.
Where are the Thunderbirds based?
The Thunderbirds are assigned to the 57th Wing, and are based at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. Created 68 years ago in 1953, the USAF Thunderbirds are the third-oldest formal flying aerobatic team (under the same name) in the world, after the French Air Force Patrouille de France formed in 1931 and the United States Navy Blue Angels formed in 1946.
Why was the 2013 Thunderbirds cancelled?
The entire 2013 flying season was canceled due to budget cuts resulting from the United States fiscal cliff.
Why did the Thunderbirds discontinue vertical bank maneuvers?
In 1961, the team was compelled to discontinue the vertical bank maneuver due to an FAA regulation prohibiting aerobatics that pointed the nose of the aircraft toward the crowd. The year 1962 saw the introduction of dual solo routines, and the Thunderbirds went on their first European deployment in 1963, the year after the disbanding of the "Skyblazers" (see below). The team switched to the F-105 Thunderchief for the 1964 season, but were forced to re-equip with the F-100D after only six airshows due to a catastrophic structural failure of the No. 2 aircraft during a pitch-up maneuver that resulted in the death of Capt Gene Devlin at Hamilton Air Force Base on 9 May. The F-100D Super Sabre was retained through the 1968 season.
