The Thunderbirds currently fly the F-16C Fighting Falcon for demonstrations, and they also use two-seat F-16D aircraft for support and training. Historically, the team has also flown the F-84, F-100, F-105, F-4, and T-38.

Quick Scoop

The best single-answer version is: the Thunderbirds fly the F-16 Fighting Falcon. That has been their main aircraft since the 1980s, with the F-16C as the current show jet.

Aircraft history

  • F-84 Thunderjet / Thunderstreak.
  • F-100 Super Sabre.
  • F-105 Thunderchief.
  • F-4 Phantom.
  • T-38 Talon.
  • F-16A / F-16C Fighting Falcon.

In plain English

If you see the Thunderbirds at an air show today, you are almost certainly seeing F-16s painted in the red, white, and blue Thunderbird scheme. The team’s current lineup includes the F-16C for the main demonstration aircraft and F-16D trainers/support jets.

Bottom line: the Thunderbirds fly F-16 Fighting Falcons.