Thunderbolt (siren)

The Thunderbolt is a mechanical outdoor warning siren that was manufactured by Federal Signal Corporation from 1951 until its production ended in 1991.

[1] It is a unidirectional, rotating siren with a large square-shaped horn, and can come in various colors, usually yellow, by request.

In the 1980s, when civil defense fell into disuse, Thunderbolts across the United States were repurposed for nuclear and storm warning siren systems.

During the Gulf War, Federal sent a number of modified Thunderbolt 1003s to Kuwait to warn its citizens of an air raid.

In the 21st century, many communities lacking siren coverage have purchased Thunderbolts that once sat in various towns, and have been refurbished.

Only two 4/5 port rotor 1003's exist currently, one in Saint Paul, Nebraska, and the other in University Park, Illinois.