Why is Thunderbird 5's number written upside down?
$\begingroup$
$\endgroup$
6
asked May 21, 2014 at 2:15
-
8$\begingroup$ So it's right side up when doing inverted manoeuvres? $\endgroup$– Greg HewgillMay 21, 2014 at 2:18
-
1$\begingroup$ @GregHewgill turns out you are correct :) $\endgroup$– flyingfischMay 21, 2014 at 2:21
-
1$\begingroup$ Good question and nice catch. $\endgroup$– CGCampbellMay 21, 2014 at 2:25
-
1$\begingroup$ @CGCampbell thanks :) What would also be cool to know is if number 5's engine number has always been upside down, or only since the Thunderbirds got the F-16's $\endgroup$– flyingfischMay 21, 2014 at 2:26
-
1$\begingroup$ @CGCampbell Updated my answer, though I am not sure why the older Thunderbird 5's had the number right side up. should I make a new question about that? $\endgroup$– flyingfischMay 21, 2014 at 2:36
|
Show 1 more comment
4 Answers
$\begingroup$
$\endgroup$
4
This is because Thunderbird 5 is the opposing solo, and spends almost all of its time inverted.
Apparently though, this plane's number was not always painted upside down:
Just guesswork on my part, but maybe the Thunderbirds did not fly inverted maneuvers before the F-16s?
answered May 21, 2014 at 2:21
-
$\begingroup$ According to burrusspta.org/video_files/thunderbirds.html they did use inverted formations at least as far back as 1964 in the F-105's. $\endgroup$ May 21, 2014 at 2:53
-
$\begingroup$ also, I have no problem at all if you want to unselect my answer and select your own. You've got the more research effort showing. $\endgroup$ May 21, 2014 at 2:55
-
$\begingroup$ @CGCampbell oh ok, then I guess I will. ;-) $\endgroup$ May 21, 2014 at 15:34
-
$\begingroup$ @CGCampbell they did, but older types were less suitable for SUSTAINED inverted flight, so they'd spend the majority of their display sequence "right side up". $\endgroup$– jwentingMay 23, 2014 at 13:38
$\begingroup$
$\endgroup$
1
The #5 is painted upside down because it represents how the lead solo spends most of his time during an aerial demonstration. Dennis Graham USAF "Thunderbirds" Alumni 1985-1989.
-
5$\begingroup$ Welcome to Av.SE -- It's always good to have folks on here who've been part of teams like the Thunderbirds. This answer is fine, although it doesn't really add anything to the existing answers; if your future answers can offer more than what's already present, that would be great. Again, welcome to Av.SE, and please do come back often! $\endgroup$– Ralph J ♦May 13, 2020 at 18:24
$\begingroup$
$\endgroup$
1
Just for clarification sake, Thunderbird 5 is the LEAD solo, not the Opposing Solo. Opposing Solo is Thunderbird 6. The 5 is upside-down because During the show he spends the most time upside-down. On crowd passes, and show center, he is usually inverted. Also, the F-4 Phantom and T-38 Talon fly perfectly well inverted.
-
$\begingroup$ Thanks for clarifying the facts! Based on their site and this video I'd say you are correct. $\endgroup$– foootApr 21, 2015 at 18:53
$\begingroup$
$\endgroup$
When the Thunderbird's fly the reflection pattern, one plane will be right side up flying level. Number 5 will be upside down and below the first one. They are like reflections in a mirror, bottom to bottom. Number 5's engine number is written upside down, so that it can be read correctly. If they fly the calypso pattern, where one plane is flying right side up and the second will be above it, upside down, the upside down plane will always be number 5.
answered May 21, 2014 at 2:23