The Thunderbirds thereafter replaced the T-38 Talon with the F-16A Fighting Falcon. Despite this incident, the T-38 is still used as a trainer jet by the U.S. Air Force, Germany, and Turkey.

A U-2 Dragon Lady reconnaissance plane is escorted by two T-38 Talon training aircraft during the Air & Space Expo at Beale Air Force Base on Saturday, June 7, 2025.

The Thunderbirds and the Blue Angels excite crowds of fans each year with their spectacular air shows, but what sets the two flying squadrons apart?

The Air Force's premier flight demonstration team is bringing their show to the Gulf Coast this weekend.Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City is hosting the Thunderbirds and a number of other ...

T-38 Talon (1974-1981) The Thunderbirds flew T-38 Talons from 1974-1981, the only period during which the team flew training aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Tristin English) ...

After only six shows, the Thunderbirds returned to the F-100 due to an extensive modification that became necessary on all Thunderchiefs. 1969-73: The Thunderbirds flew the Air Force’s front-line ...

The Air Force Thunderbirds will be flying over the U.K. this summer in the demonstration team's first overseas trip since 2011.

In 1974, the Thunderbirds switched over to the T-38 Talon, which would be the last fighter jet flown by the unit before moving onto the F-16.

Thunderbird Beginnings F-84G Thunderjet F-84F Thunderstreak F-100C/D Super Sabre F-105B Thunderchief F-4E Phantom II T-38 Talon F-16A/C Fighting Falcon Support Aircraft ...

The Thunderbirds started out with the F-84G Thunderjet, and then gradually moved to other planes, including the F-100C Super Sabre, F-4E Phantom, and T-38 Talon.

The demonstration squadron flew the T-38 Talon trainer during the 1970s oil crisis.

The Air Force’s T-38 Talon training jet fleet is digging out of engine maintenance delays that could slow military pilot production for at least another six months. Service officials say the ...