美國空軍雷鳥飛行表演隊（United States Air Force Thunderbirds）是世界上最具代表性的軍事飛行表演隊之一。自成立以來，他們以精準的飛行技巧、空中隊形和獨特的飛行表演，成為美國空軍的形象象徵，同時也肩負著推廣空軍精神與激勵年輕世代的使命。延伸閱讀：《精選》法國航空A350與特技飛行隊，演出精彩空中芭蕾！
雷鳥飛行表演隊於 1953 年 6 月 1 日在亞利桑那州的盧克空軍基地正式成立。當時，美國空軍希望透過一支專業的飛行表演隊伍，展現空軍飛行員的高超技術與美國航空工業的實力。雷鳥的名字則源自美國西南部印地安傳說中的神鳥，象徵力量與守護。
雷鳥飛行表演隊成立初期曾使用 F-84G Thunderjet，之後歷經多種機型，包括 F-100 Super Sabre、F-105 Thunderchief、F-4 Phantom II 與 T-38 Talon 等。自 1983 年起，雷鳥隊正式改用 F-16 Fighting Falcon（F-16 戰隼戰鬥機）作為表演機型，並沿用至今。這款多用途戰鬥機性能優異，靈活度高，非常適合進行高難度的飛行表演。雷鳥專屬塗裝以美國國旗色彩紅、白、藍為主，象徵美國精神。
雷鳥飛行表演隊除了以精湛高超的飛行技巧聞名於世，也常常邀請戰爭英雄與著名飛行員同乘，一起參與精采的表演。2017 年 5 月 6 日，在加州崔維斯空軍基地的表演中，就請來了曾在2009年以高超技巧成功迫降在哈德遜河，拯救機上155名乘員的薩利機長一同飛上青天。由於薩利機長曾擔任 F-4 Phantom II 戰機飛行員，因此雷鳥飛行表演隊特地向薩利致敬。延伸閱讀：《知識》從電影「薩利機長」學航空科學
雷鳥飛行表演隊的飛行特色，在於結合了精準的編隊飛行與高難度的單機動作，包含：
- 鑽石編隊：這是雷鳥最具代表性的隊形。四架 F-16 以菱形隊形近距離飛行，機身間距往往只有數十公分。鑽石編隊展現了極高的穩定度與默契，被視為雷鳥的招牌動作之一。觀眾能清楚感受到戰機之間幾乎「緊貼」的張力。
- 空中炸彈開花：表演接近尾聲時，常見的壓軸動作就是「空中炸彈開花」。數架戰機先以編隊爬升至高空，在頂點同時分散四面八方。更厲害的是，這些戰機最後還高速交叉並重新編隊，動作不僅壯觀，更讓人屏息凝神。
- 鏡像飛行：其中一架戰機倒飛，另一架正飛，兩機幾乎鏡像般上下對稱飛行，展現極致的控制能力。
- 低空滾轉與垂直爬升：雷鳥也會透過單機展示，進行高速低空滾轉、直線加速爬升至高空，讓觀眾感受F-16戰機的靈活性與強大推力。
七十多年來，雷鳥飛行表演隊已在全球各地完成數千場演出，觀眾遍及數以百萬計。他們不僅展現了美國空軍的專業與力量，更透過一場場震撼人心的空中演出，傳達對飛行的熱情與對國家的驕傲。Netflix 也於 2025 年將美國雷鳥飛行表演隊拍成紀錄片，相當值得一看！
Introduction To The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds
The United States Air Force Thunderbirds are one of the most famous military aerobatic teams in the world. Since their founding, they have represented the U.S. Air Force with precise flying, dramatic formations, and unique aerial maneuvers. Their mission is not only to showcase flying skills but also to inspire pride in the Air Force and motivate younger generations. Read More: Air France A350 and Patrouille de France Perform Aerial BalletThe Thunderbirds were officially established on June 1, 1953, at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona. The Air Force created the team to highlight pilot skills and the strength of America’s aviation industry. Their name comes from a legendary bird in Native American stories of the Southwest, symbolizing power and protection.
The team first flew the F-84G Thunderjet, then transitioned through several aircraft such as the F-100 Super Sabre, F-105 Thunderchief, F-4 Phantom II, and T-38 Talon. Since 1983, the Thunderbirds have flown the F-16 Fighting Falcon, a highly maneuverable multirole fighter jet perfect for aerobatics. Their jets are painted in red, white, and blue to reflect the colors of the U.S. flag.
In addition to their own breathtaking performances, the Thunderbirds sometimes invite notable aviators to join them. For example, on May 6, 2017, at Travis Air Force Base in California, they honored Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, the pilot who safely landed an Airbus on the Hudson River in 2009, saving 155 lives. Sully himself was once an F-4 Phantom II pilot, making the tribute especially meaningful.
The Thunderbirds are known for combining tight formation flying with daring solo moves, such as:
- Diamond Formation: Four F-16s fly extremely close in a diamond shape, with only a few feet separating them. This maneuver shows incredible precision and teamwork.
- Bomb Burst: Near the finale, the jets climb high in formation, then split apart in all directions like an exploding firework. They later cross paths at high speed and regroup, thrilling the crowd.
- Mirror Flight: One jet flies upside down while another flies right-side up, creating a mirror-like effect.
- Low Rolls and Vertical Climbs: Solo pilots perform fast rolls near the ground and dramatic vertical climbs, demonstrating the power and agility of the F-16.
For over 70 years, the Thunderbirds have performed thousands of shows worldwide, reaching millions of spectators. They not only demonstrate the professionalism and strength of the U.S. Air Force but also share a passion for flying and pride in their country. In 2025, Netflix released a documentary on the Thunderbirds, well worth watching!
