What is the Virtual Thunderbirds, LLC?
What flight controls are used by the Virtual Thunderbirds?
Is there any affiliation with the real U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds?
What is the demo team?
Can I tryout to be part of the Virtual Thunderbirds?
Is everything hand flown?
How authentic are the maneuvers?
What flight simulator is currently used by the Virtual Thunderbirds?
How do the Virtual Thunderbirds communicate while flying?
Q: What is the Virtual Thunderbirds, LLC?
A: The Virtual Thunderbirds, LLC is a fan based group, widely recognized on the net as the virtual equivalent of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. We perform formation flying and precision aerobatics with the use of flight simulators.
Our mission is to reenact the aerial demonstration of the USAF Thunderbirds, past and present. This includes adhering to the real world radio calls, maneuver parameters and procedures, professionalism, and unbelievable attention to detail, a trademark the USAF Thunderbirds have been known for throughout its history since 1953.
Q: What flight controls are used by the Virtual Thunderbirds?
A: We're sponsored by Thrustmaster and their line of products for flight simulator enthusiasts, including the HOTAS Warthog and MFD Cougar Pack.
Q: Is there any affiliation with the real U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds?
A: No, the active members of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds represent the military airmen and there is no official affiliation between the Virtual Thunderbirds, LLC and the U.S. Air Force.
A: The demo team consists of the active pilots performing the aerial demonstration. We're mainly a fan based group of flight simulator enthusiasts who spend long hours flying together and analysing our performances in briefings and debriefings much like the real squadron before and after air shows and practices.
Q: Can I tryout to be part of the Virtual Thunderbirds?
A: Yes, read the topic Becoming a Virtual Thunderbird for more info.
A: Yes, the awesome power is held in check by talented and disciplined hands and countless hours of formation flying practice to hone and keep our skills sharp.
Q: How authentic are the maneuvers?
A: As real as it gets, "virtually" speaking. Our mission is to recreate the aerial demonstration of the USAF Thunderbirds with an unbelievable attention to detail. Our sources and research are second to none, crosschecking procedures, technique and callouts as closely as possible with those used by the USAF Thunderbird pilots.
Q: What flight simulator is currently used by the Virtual Thunderbirds?
A: Digital Combat Simulator by Eagle Dynamics.
Q: How do the Virtual Thunderbirds communicate while flying?
A: We use TeamSpeak.