U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds to headline OC Air Show

Image: OC Air Show

OCEAN CITY, Md. – Officials with the Ocean City Air Show have announced that the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will kick off this year’s event.

We’re told the Thunderbirds plan and present precision aerial maneuvers to exhibit the capabilities of modern, high-performance aircraft and the high degree of professional skill required to operate those aircraft. Their squadron consists of eight pilots, including six demonstration pilots, four support officers, four civilians, and more than 100 enlisted personnel.

The Thunderbirds air demonstration is a mix of formation flying and solo routines. The four-jet diamond formation demonstrates the training and precision of Air Force pilots, while two solo aircraft highlight some of the extreme capabilities of the F-16. In total, the pilots perform roughly 40 maneuvers in one single demonstration. An aerial demonstration lasts one hour, with an additional 15 minutes for the ground show before takeoff.

For more information on the Thunderbirds, click here.