Chicago Air Show Thunderbirds Team Display

 
The Thunderbirds first flew in 1953, seven years after the navy Blue Angels display team started flying.
photo #401: six Thunderbirds approaching with smoke on

  
The Thunderbirds name comes from the native American legend of the giant Thunderbirds, which were responsible for thunder storms.
photo #402: six Thunderbirds with smoke on from 2 o'clock

  
The black design on the underneath of the aircraft represents the wings and body of a Thunderbird.
photo #403: Six Thunderbirds banking sharply away

 
The team consists of a four plane "diamond" and (confusingly) two "solo" aircraft.
photo #404: two solo Thunderbirds breaking away from main group

 
Don't these guys ever get bored with these side-by-side flypasts?
photo #405: two Thunderbird solos flying side by side

 
Wow, I guess they do!   Just don't do anything silly, guys!
photo #406: one Thunderbird upright, one inverted

 
Hey, what did I just tell you fellas!
photo #407: Thunderbird solos doing head-on pass

 
 
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