2009-2010 season's marking of "Thunderbirds", the aerobatic team of U.S.Air Force

The Thunderbirds are the air demonstration squadron of the U.S.Air.Force (USAF), based at Nelleis AFB in Las Vegas, Nevada. The squadron tours the United States and much of the world, performing aerobatic formation and solo flying in specially marked USAF jet aircraft. The name is taken from the legendary creature that appears in the mythology of several indigenous North American cultures.

Officers serve a two-year assignment with the squadron, while enlisted personnel serve three to four. 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 prove 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 February 15, 1974 the Thunderbirds have been a component of the 57th Wing at Nellis AFB.

In the 2009 show season the Thunderbirds transitioned to an updated version of the F-16 fighter. The Block 52s have an upgraded avionics package that brings the Thunderbird fleet into alignment with the rest of the worldwide F-16 fleet. Additionally, the more powerful Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 engine adds an additional 3,600 lb_f 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.

Acht uitvoeringen F-16-Block52 mogelijk;