what planes do the thunderbirds fly

The Thunderbirds fly F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft, as well as two F-16D twin-seat trainers. The F-16 has been the demonstration aircraft for the Thunderbirds since 1983. The only modifications needed to prepare the aircraft for its air demonstration role are installing a smoke-generating system in the space normally reserved for the 20mm cannon, and painting the aircraft in Thunderbird colors. The Thunderbirds have flown F-84G Thunderjets, F-84F Thunderstreaks, F-100 Super Sabres, F-4E Phantoms, and T-38 Talons in the past.