Does the F-16 have a delta wing?

The General Dynamics F-16XL is a derivative of the F-16 Fighting Falcon, with a cranked-arrow delta wing. It was originally conceived as a technology demonstrator, later entered in the United States Air Force’s (USAF) Enhanced Tactical Fighter (ETF) competition but lost to the F-15E Strike Eagle.

What weapons does the F-16 carry?

F-16 missiles and weapons Air-to-air missiles carried on the F-16 include the Lockheed Martin / Raytheon AIM-9 Sidewinder, Raytheon AMRAAM, Raytheon Sparrow, MBDA (formerly Matra BAe Dynamics) Skyflash and ASRAAM, and the MBDA R550 Magic 2.

Do the Thunderbirds break the sound barrier?

The two solo aircraft highlight some of the extreme capabilities of the F-16 executing maneuvers as low as 100 feet off the ground and some at speeds of over 700mph. During the high speed maneuvers the shock cone is sometimes visible as the jet teeters on the edge of the sound barrier!

WHY IS F-16 called Viper?

The F-16’s official name is “Fighting Falcon”, but “Viper” is commonly used by its pilots and crews, due to a perceived resemblance to a viper snake as well as the Colonial Viper starfighter on Battlestar Galactica which aired at the time the F-16 entered service.

Are there any female Thunderbird pilots?

Curran is the lead solo pilot. Being the only female pilot for the Thunderbirds, Curran told 41 Action News she hopes her presence in the sky inspires young girls to reach new heights. “Don’t let other people set expectations for you,” she said.

Do Blue Angels and Thunderbirds ever perform together?

For the first time ever, six fighter jets from the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels and six from the U.S. Air Force’s Thunderbirds will perform two shows each — two Saturday and two Sunday — for Thunder Over Michigan. “This is pure entertainment,” said Walsh.

Do the Thunderbirds fight in combat?

In addition to their responsibilities as the official U.S. Air Force aerial demonstration team, the Thunderbirds are part of our combat force. If required, the team’s personnel and aircraft can be rapidly integrated into a fighter unit at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.

Is the F-16 obsolete?

Most nations that have bought F-16s continue to use them as of 2010. Because the USAF has steadily upgraded its F-16 inventory, it will sometimes sell older aircraft it considers obsolete as surplus Excess Defense Articles (EDAs) or as “knockdown” aircraft to supplement spares inventories.

When did the Thunderbirds fly with the F-16?

Following a six month investigation, the Thunderbirds resumed flying in 1983 with the F-16. After 30 years, the F-16 is still roaring through the sky in Thunderbird colors of red, white and blue.

What is a Thunderbirds air demonstration?

A Thunderbirds air demonstration is a mix of formation flying and solo routines. The four-aircraft diamond formation demonstrates the training and precision of Air Force pilots, while the solo aircraft highlight the maximum capabilities of the F-16 Fighting Falcon.

Why are the Thunderbirds important to the Air Force?

Through air shows and flyovers, they aim to excite and inspire. In addition to showcasing the elite skills all pilots must possess, the Thunderbirds demonstrate the incredible capabilities of the Air Force’s premier multi-role fighter jet, the F-16 Fighting Falcon.

What kind of aircraft do the Thunderbirds fly?

With the change to the F-100 Super Sabre in 1956, the Thunderbirds became the world’s first supersonic aerial demonstration team. That same year, the Thunderbirds moved to Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, simplifying logistics and maintenance for the aircraft. The Thunderbirds used the C-model Super Sabre from 1956–1963.