The Air Force Falcons unveiled a new spirit logo on Tuesday as an expression of the Academy’s “commitment to develop(ing) leaders for both the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force.”
The new logo appears to be a modern evolution of Air Force’s primary logos from 1955-56 and 1956-99, which featured a falcon in flight with two lightning bolts clutched in its talons.
The new logo was a collaborative effort with current cadets and alumni, and will complement the Falcons’ primary “AF” logo and secondary Bolt logo that are used by the athletic programs.
The logo’s wings pull inspiration from the Air Force symbol, while the bolt in its talons – which is actually the same bolt as the secondary logo – represents “one unified Academy striking forward into the future.”
A subtle Polaris Star is hidden at the center of the Falcon as a nod to the Space Force’s historic Delta Symbol, while the edge of the bird’s left wing mirror the iconic architecture of the Cadet Chapel.
Lastly, the nine total wing tips represent the nine institutional outcomes the Academy strives to instill in the cadets before graduation.
The new logo will not appear on any of the Falcons’ athletic uniforms and will be used only for esprit de corps purposes, as well as officially licensed merchandise and apparel.
Photos courtesy of the Air Force Academy.
