Thunderbirds in their "Lizard" practice aircraft

© Harry S. Gann from the Harry S. Gann collection - used by permission.

How about this formation shot of four McDonnell Douglas Phantom II F-4E aircraft? It was taken in 1972 at Nellis Air Force base.

OK, so it is the Thunderbirds in their "Lizard" practice aircraft. You can see the position numbers painter on the inlet duct. (So the Boss borrowed the opposing solo aircraft for this practice hop).

Shown in the lead is Tom Swalm; right wing, Joe Howard; left wing Nels Running and slot was Jerry Bolt. Out of the photo was soloist Steve Dwelle.

This photo was taken for the McDonnell Douglas calendar.

Phantoms were awesome flight demo aircraft for the Tbirds and the Blues. Both teams in the 1969 to 1973 time frame used them.