When the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds do the traditional fly-over at the Super Bowl Sunday, their F-16 jets will be powered by brand new Pratt & Whitney engines.
F100-PW-229's, to be precise.
The Connecticut-based company has outfitted the new squadron of 11 planes with the engines, promising "a faster, more agile flying experience," says their P.R. firm.
The Thunderbirds have been flying for 55 years, and the Super Bowl proves to be one of their most watched moments.
But P&W and the Air Force are not new partners. They've been working together for more than 85 years, says the company, providing them with support for the T-6, F-15, F-16, F-22, C-17 and the F-35. (Note: They do not provide support for Vitamin B-12.)