USAF Thunderbirds Sneak Pass

Flying the F-16C Fighting Falcon the United States Air Force Thunderbirds tour the United States and much of the world performing aerobatic formation and solo flying. The aircraft flown by the team are nearly identical to current combat aircraft and it takes just a few minor modifications to be made combat ready. The changes made include the replacement of the 20mm cannon and ammunition drum with a smoke-generating system, including its plumbing and control switches, the removal of the jet fuel starter exhaust door, and the application of the Thunderbirds' glossy red, white, and blue polyurethane paint scheme.

During the Thunderbird performance, while the 4 ship diamond formation has the attention of the crowd, one of the solo aircraft will make a fast pass down the show line to demonstrate the "tactical surprise" capabilities of the aircraft. For those that are not prepared the feeling of an F-16 suddenly passing by in afterburner is one that is not soon forgotten.