The US Air Force’s premier demonstration team, the Thunderbirds, have flown the F-16 since 1983. This unit’s mission began in 1953 and continues today in an effort to showcase the capabilities of Air Force fighter aircraft as well as the professionalism of those Airmen who fly, maintain and support them. Thunderbird F-16s possess
the full range of capabilities compared to its combat counterpart. However, the only modifications needed to prepare the aircraft for its demonstration role is the addition of a smoke generating system in the space normally reserved for the 20mm cannon, and the unique paint scheme. Since the aircraft are only slightly modified, they can be made combat-ready in less than 72 hours.
Hill Air Force Base has long supported a diverse portfolio of F-16 missions. They include maintenance, combat operations, and system program office support. Even though F-16 combat operations are no longer at Hill, base personnel continue to maintain and sustain the Thunderbird fleet.
The aircraft on display traveled the world from 1982 to 1991 as one of the first F-16s to be converted into a Thunderbird. After spending nearly a decade in the active fleet as Thunderbird 7, it transferred to Sheppard Air Force Base for training purposes. The Hill Aerospace Museum received this aircraft from Sheppard in October 2017.
Officially called the US Air Force’s Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds are an Air Combat Command unit composed of eight pilots, four support officers, three civilians, and more than 130 enlisted personnel. A Thunderbirds air demonstration usually consists of a mix of unique formation flying and solo routines. The Thunderbirds commonly visit Hill to showcase to Utahns the skill and prowess of this unique team.
This aircraft is on loan from the U.S. Air Force Heritage Program.
Serial Number: 81-0678
Manufacturer: General Dynamics
Primary Function: Multi-Role Fighter
Crew: One
Engines: One Pratt & Whitney F-100-PW-200 turbofan; 23,830 pounds thrust in afterburner
Wingspan: 32 ft 10 in
Length: 49 ft 6 in
Height: 16 ft 5 in
Weight: 16,285 pounds (empty); 25,281 pounds (combat); 37,500 pounds (maximum)
Speed: 577 mph (cruising); 1,345 mph, Mach 2.05 (maximum)
Range: 1,407 miles
Service Ceiling: 55,000 feet
Armament: None in Thunderbird configuration
Cost: $8,200,000 (approximate)
Years of Service: 1979 – Present
Throughout the years, in addition to the operations mission, Hill Air Force Base has supported a robust F-16 maintenance mission—to include structural, electrical, commodities and software. Furthermore, Hill Air Force Base has been home to the F-16 System Program Office for years, overseeing the development, acquisition, modernization and sustainment of this multirole, combat aircraft. All these entities have and still do maintain and sustain the Thunderbird fleet.
The aircraft on display was assigned to the Thunderbirds from 1982–1991. After then spending a few years in the active fleet, it transferred to Sheppard Air Force Base for training use. Hill Aerospace Museum received this aircraft from Sheppard in October 2017.
Considered the backbone of the United States Air Force’s (USAF) fighter fleet for more than three decades, the F-16 Thunderbird has, and continues to play an important role in air superiority. However, it has also been the airframe used by the USAF’s premier demonstration team, the Thunderbirds, for more than 30 years. Remaining true to the Thunderbirds’ character to showcase the latest advancement in America’s fighter technology, the first red, white and blue F-16A assigned to the Thunderbirds was delivered to Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, in June 1982.
