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A USAF Thunderbirds F-16 Fighting Falcon in its iconic red, white, and blue demonstration livery, photographed during an aerobatic maneuver.
© shaydis13
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Spotter's notes
USAF Thunderbirds at NAF El Centro 2025 winter practice.
Aircraft identity
ICAO Type
F-16C
Model
F-16 Fighting Falcon
Manufacturer
General Dynamics (now Lockheed Martin)
Airline
United States Air Force (Thunderbirds demonstration team)
Livery
USAF Thunderbirds demonstration team livery
Military
Military
Technicals
Engine
Pratt & Whitney F100 or General Electric F110 (varies by block/version)
Thrust
Max afterburner ~129 kN (29,000 lbf)
Wingspan
9.96 m
Length
15.06 m
Height
4.88 m
MTOW
19,187 kg
Range
4,220 km (ferry, with drop tanks)
Capacity
Single pilot, no passenger capacity
Cruise Speed
915 km/h (Mach 0.8), max speed Mach 2.0
Noise Rating
Approx. 130 dB (typical, not certified to ICAO civilian standards)
Location
Airport Code
NJK/KNJK
Airport Name
El Centro NAF Airport (Vraciu Field)
Camera
Device
Nikon D800
Lens
200-500mm