U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds Editorial Photo

The United States Air Force Thunderbirds Air Demonstration Squadron performs for spectators at Luke Air Force Base in Glendale, Arizona, USA. These highly trained United State Air Force pilots fly in very close high precision aerobatic formations in air shows throughout the United States and around the world. The name Thunderbird is derived from a legendary creature from myths of indigenous North American cultures. The Thunderbirds fly specially marked F-16's. The F-16 (Fighting Falcon) is a very prominent and successful jet fighter aircraft developed by General Dynamics and Lockheed Martin of the United States. Designed as a lightweight fighter, it has evolved to being a highly successful multirole aircraft. In addition to air demonstrations, the USAF Thunderbirds are part of the Air Force combat forces and a component of the 57th Wing. If needed, the team's personnel and aircraft can be rapidly integrated into a fighter unit at their home base Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada.