What are the major differences between a combat F-16 and a Thunderbird F-16?
Including the Thunderbird Red, Thunderbird White and Thunderbird Blue paint scheme, there are actually very few modifications to a Thunderbird aircraft. Thunderbird F-16s have the 20mm cannon and ammunition drum removed to accommodate the smoke oil drum. Also, a smoke oil plumbing line that runs from the smoke oil drum to the exhaust has been installed. The dogfight switch on the throttle has been rewired to accommodate a smoke oil on/off switch and a stopwatch has been added to each cockpit for timing. Otherwise, the aircraft that the squadron flies are the same as those in the Air Force. Each Thunderbird aircraft is able to return to combat status within 72 hours.
