2003 Edwards AFB Open House
Thunderbirds

(Download a higher resolution picture by clicking on any picture below.)

Go to the Home Page The Edwards Air Force Base Open House was held the weekend of October 25-26. During the two-day event, visitors saw new and unique aircraft in the Air Force inventory, and some of the best aerial demonstration pilots and teams performing today. The various demonstrations included Air Force aircraft such as the F/A-22, F-117, F-16, KC-135, C-17, B-1, which set 52 official world records, B-2, as well as NASA aircraft among others. This was also a once-a-year opportunity for taxpayers to see the kind of equipment they buy for the Air Force, and the abilities of the people who test, fly and maintain this equipment.

Arrival, Friday October 24

The static display aircraft were being positioned on the flightline Friday afternoon as the United States Air Force Thunderbirds arrived. The F-16 Fighting Falcons of the Thunderbirds flew around the base for the better part of an hour before landing.

Lockheed-Martin-General Dynamics F-16C Fighting Falcon of the U. S. Air Force Thunderbirds

Lockheed-Martin-General Dynamics F-16C Fighting Falcons of the U. S. Air Force Thunderbirds Lockheed-Martin-General Dynamics F-16C Fighting Falcons of the U. S. Air Force Thunderbirds break into the landing pattern.

Lockheed-Martin-General Dynamics F-16C and F-16D Fighting Falcons of the U. S. Air Force Thunderbirds The Thunderbirds airplanes were still being jockeyed into position when the media contingent arrived.

Lockheed-Martin-General Dynamics F-16D Fighting Falcon of the U. S. Air Force Thunderbirds Lockheed-Martin-General Dynamics F-16D Fighting Falcon of the U. S. Air Force Thunderbirds.

Lockheed-Martin-General Dynamics F-16D Fighting Falcon of the U. S. Air Force Thunderbirds The ground crew moves Lockheed-Martin-General Dynamics F-16D Fighting Falcon of the U. S. Air Force Thunderbirds precisely into position. Temporary ground reference marks were spray painted onto the flightline.

Lockheed-Martin-General Dynamics F-16C and F-16D Fighting Falcons of the U. S. Air Force Thunderbirds

Lockheed-Martin-General Dynamics F-16C and F-16D Fighting Falcons of the U. S. Air Force Thunderbirds

Lockheed-Martin-General Dynamics F-16C and F-16D Fighting Falcons of the U. S. Air Force Thunderbirds

Lockheed-Martin-General Dynamics F-16C and F-16D Fighting Falcons of the U. S. Air Force Thunderbirds

Lockheed-Martin-General Dynamics F-16C Fighting Falcon of the U. S. Air Force Thunderbirds

Airshow, Saturday October 25

The Saturday airshow was postponed for a while as the Thunderbirds support team called in Edwards AFB Police to remove the photographers from the media site.

General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcons of the U. S. Air Force Thunderbirds General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcons of the U. S. Air Force Thunderbirds lift off of Runway 04.

General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcons of the U. S. Air Force Thunderbirds

General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcons of the U. S. Air Force Thunderbirds The Thunderbirds transition to the diamond formation immediately after take-off.

General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon of the U. S. Air Force Thunderbirds The Thunderbirds are performing with a single solo airplane since the loss of #6 earlier this year.

Following the take-off, I moved to a position away from the runway.

General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcons of the U. S. Air Force Thunderbirds The Thunderbirds transition from the in-line formation to the diamond formation while performing a roll.

General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcons of the U. S. Air Force Thunderbirds

General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcons of the U. S. Air Force Thunderbirds

General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcons of the U. S. Air Force Thunderbirds

General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcons of the U. S. Air Force Thunderbirds

General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcons of the U. S. Air Force Thunderbirds

General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcons of the U. S. Air Force Thunderbirds The bomb burst finale.

General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcons of the U. S. Air Force Thunderbirds The Thunderbirds break into the pattern at the end of the show.

Link to the U. S. Air Force Thunderbirds web site.

More 2003 Edwards Air Force Base Open House Pages:

2003 Edwards AFB Open House Rehearsal, October 22, Page 1 Rehearsal, October 22, Page 1

2003 Edwards AFB Open House Rehearsal, October 22, Page 2 Rehearsal, October 22, Page 2

2003 Edwards AFB Open House Military Aircraft Static Displays, October 24 Military Aircraft Static Displays, October 24

2003 Edwards AFB Open House NASA and Vintage Aircraft Static Displays, October 24 NASA and Vintage Aircraft Static Displays, October 24

2003 Edwards AFB Open House Airshow, October 25, Page 1 Airshow, October 25, Page 1

2003 Edwards AFB Open House Airshow, October 25, Page 2 Airshow, October 25, Page 2

Go to the Airshow Page of the Goleta Air and Space Museum.

Go to the home page of the Goleta Air and Space Museum.

Send a message to Brian.