Republic of China Air Force Thunder Tiger Aerobatics Team
Military unit
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The Republic of China Air Force Thunder Tigers Aerobatics Team (Chinese: 中華民國空軍雷虎特技小組) was founded in 1953 and is under the jurisdiction of the Republic of China Air Force.
Taiwan (Republic of China)
Republic of China Air Force| Republic of China Air Force Thunder Tiger Aerobatics Team | |
|---|---|
Thunder Tiger Aerobatics Team patch | |
| Active | 1953 – present |
| Country | Taiwan (Republic of China) |
| Branch | Republic of China Air Force |
| Role | Aerobatic flight demonstration team |
| Garrison/HQ | Kangshan Air Base |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Fighter | AIDC AT-3B (two seat) |
History
The Republic of China Air Force Thunder Tiger Aerobatics Team was established at Tainan Air Force Base in 1953.[1] At the time of its founding, most Thunder Tiger pilots lived in Tainan's Shueijiaoshe military compound.[2] Since 1993, the group has been based at the Republic of China Air Force Academy in Gangshan, Kaohsiung.[1] In the past, the team has flown a wide array of aircraft, including the F-84G Thunderjet, and F-86F Sabre, as well as light fighters in the Northrop F-5 family. They now fly the AT-3 developed by the Taiwan-based Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation in air shows.[3] To honor the Republic of China centenary in 2011, the Thunder Tigers participated in the largest flypast held in Taiwan.[4][5] In October 2014, Lieutenant Colonel Chuang Pei-yuan was involved in a fatal crash while flying an AT-3 owned by the Thunder Tigers on a routine training mission.[6][7] Team activities were suspended shortly after all AT-3 aircraft were grounded for inspection.[8] The Thunder Tigers flew at Chuang's funeral in November 2014,[9] but did not perform at unofficial public events until November 2016.[10][11]
See also
- United States Air Force Thunderbirds
- Blue Angels – United States Navy
- Russian Knights – Russian Air Force
- Red Arrows – Royal Air Force