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Matthew M
Matthew M asked in Cars & TransportationAircraft · 1 decade ago

Why is the '5' upside down?

On the USAF Thunderbirds, the 5 is upside down on everything, from the plane to the number on the pilot's flight suit. Is there anythign behind this, besides that the Lead Solo is always fliying inverted? Any 'historical' tradition behind this?

Update:

Yeah, I am sure it was not the 2. Check out their website, you can see it there too.

http://thunderbirds.airforce.com/

7 Answers

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  • cherokeeflyer
    Lv 6
    1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    http://www.freedmultimedia.com/photography/journal...

  • Know, think, choose, do.
    1 decade ago

    since the number 5 jet is inverted in much of the Thunderbirds' routine, the number appears right side up

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    Must be something new. Are you sure you weren't looking at #2 upside down?

    Yep, you're right. See? Even an old dog can still learn something.

  • al b
    Lv 5
    1 decade ago

    I would bet it has something to do with his position in the formation which makes him upside down most of the time.

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  • eferrell01
    Lv 7
    1 decade ago

    #5 nearly always flies upside down. Also when marching to the planes he marchs backwards.

    Source(s): Saw the Thunderbirds perform in OKC.
  • 11001001
    1 decade ago

    He is inverted a lot of the time, so it looks right side up when he is airborne.

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    i dont relly know

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