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USAF THUNDERBIRDS

USAF THUNDERBIRDS. 3600th Air Demonstration Squadron Nellis AFB, Nevada Cadet 4th Class Ashley Copes. Overview. History and Background Selection Process and Job The Air Show. History and Background. Officially activated 25 May 1953 Luke AFB, AZ 3600th Air Demonstration Squadron

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USAF THUNDERBIRDS

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  1. USAF THUNDERBIRDS 3600th Air Demonstration Squadron Nellis AFB, Nevada Cadet 4th Class Ashley Copes

  2. Overview • History and Background • Selection Process and Job • The Air Show

  3. History and Background • Officially activated 25 May 1953 • Luke AFB, AZ • 3600th Air Demonstration Squadron • Original Name • “Stardusters” • Only used during first six shows

  4. History and Background • Native American Legend • Thunderbird was looked upon to grant victory in battle • Air Force found it a better emblem

  5. History and Background • First Plane (1953-1955) • F-84G Thunderjet • First appearance: 1 June 1953 at Nellis AFB, NV • 1st public appearance: 23 June 1953 in Cheyenne, WY • Last used 7 February 1955 at Webb AFB, TX

  6. History and Background • Second plane • F-84F Thunderstreak • Only used for part of 1955

  7. History and Background JUNE 1956 • Home of Thunderbirds relocates to Nellis AFB • Simultaneous transition from F-84 series to F-100C Super Sabre

  8. History and Background • Fourth plane commissioned: F-105B Thunderchief • Only used for 6 shows

  9. History and Background • Fifth plane: F-100D • 13 years (minus stint with F-105) of F-100 jets performing as Thunderbirds

  10. History and Background Sixth Plane (1969-1973) F-4E Phantom II

  11. History and Background • Seventh Plane (1974-1983) • T-38A Talon • Switch made because of oil embargo • First supersonic trainer aircraft used

  12. History and Background • Eighth Plane (1983-1992) • F-16A (widely used in Operation Desert Storm)

  13. History and Background Ninth Plane (1992-present) F-16C Fighting Falcon

  14. Nearly 48 years of performance Every US State 57 Countries world-wide More than 3500 demonstrations There has never been a show cancelled due to maintenance problems! History and Background

  15. Selection Process and Job • Applicant • Semi-Finalist • Finalist • The Job Intense Competition with Multiple Phases

  16. Job Performance Record Communication Skills Appearance Written Recommendations A pilot must have a minimum of 1,000 flying hours in high-performance aircraft before applying. Selection Process and Job Every Applicant’s Background is Intensely Reviewed

  17. Selection Process and Job Semi-Finalist • Deploys with the team • Experiences travel conditions and rigorous demands of job

  18. Selection Process and Job Finalist • Travels to Nellis AFB, NV • Many personal interviews • Extensive medical examinations

  19. Selection Process and Job If Chosen: • Officers are required to serve 2 years on the Thunderbird team • Enlisted personnel are required to serve between 3 and 4 years

  20. Selection Process and Job Pilots • Incur 3 1/2 months of vigorous training • Away from home for demonstrations 200-250 days a year • Each position is unique and NOT interchangeable with other pilots

  21. The Air Show • Season lasts from March to November • Winter season used to train new members

  22. The Air Show Personnel Involved • 8 Pilots (6 Demonstration) • 4 Support Officers • 3 Civilians • 130+ Enlisted Personnel

  23. The Air Show • 6 aircraft perform over 30 maneuvers • F-16C Fighting Falcon • Multi-role fighter (tactical bomber and/or air-to-air combat) • Slightly modified for Thunderbird model • Smoke-generating system in place of 20mm cannon in the rear • Thunderbirds colors painted instead of normal gray/blue color

  24. The Air Show • Begins with 4 aircraft taking-off in tight diamond-formation • Continues with a series of different maneuvers

  25. The Air Show Tight Diamond Formation

  26. The Air Show Arrowhead Loop • While in Arrowhead Formation, 4 planes roll as one unit • High-speed rolls are also performed by the solo planes

  27. The Air Show Maximum Performance Turn • 9 G’s acting upon pilot’s body (solo maneuver) • 9 times pilot’s body weight while making a 360-degree turn in a 3,000 foot radius

  28. The Air Show Tactical Surprise • Solo pilot sneaks up to diamond formation at very high speed • Solo pilot must be cautious not to break sound barrier!

  29. The Air Show Calypso Pass One plane inverts itself atop another plane

  30. The Air Show Cross-over Key idea: Traveling at Very High Speeds

  31. The Air Show “Each show consists of a series of maneuvers that every Air Force fighter pilot learns in his or her initial training. The only difference is that we fly them in tighter formation and closer to the ground.” -SSgt. Charles Ramey

  32. The Air Show • How close to each other do they fly? • 18” to 3’ between inner wing-tips • How close to the ground are they? • As low as 75 feet!

  33. Conclusion • Thunderbirds used 9 different aircraft, currently using F-16C. • The selection process is difficult. • The demonstration/air show is amazing with stunts that are not only difficult but very beautiful in their art.

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