as Vegas may be known around the world for the glitzy Strip, megaresorts, slot machines and extravagant stage shows.
   But for aviation buffs, the city is home to another very special attraction -- the United States Air Force Thunderbirds.
   The precision flight team has performed before more than 312 million people in all 50 states and some 60 foreign countries as of the start of the 2000 air show season.

   Nellis is also home to the world's most realistic aerial war games -- Red Flag -- drawing top pilots from U.S. and allied air forces worldwide to the sprawling Nellis range several time annually.
   North of Las Vegas, at a top secret base known as Area 51 or Groom Lake, aircraft such as the U-2 Reconnaissance plane, the SR-71 Blackbird, the F-117A Stealth Fighter and B-2 Spirit  Bomber have been tested over the years.

Reprinted from "Las Vegas A New Dimension.....A New Destiny"

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Last modified: October, 2001