What aircraft do the Blue Angels fly?
The Blue Angels are the United States Navy’s flight demonstration squadron, and they fly the F/A-18 Hornet and F/A-18 Super Hornet aircraft during their performances. The squadron was established in 1946 and has been an integral part of the Naval Aviation community for over seven decades.
History of the Blue Angels’ aircraft
The Blue Angels flew the F3H Demon and the F9F Panther in the early days, but these aircraft were soon replaced by the iconic F-11 Tiger aircraft in the late 1950s. The team remained with the F-11 until 1971, when they transitioned to the F-4 Phantom II.
Modernization and the F/A-18
In the early 1980s, the Blue Angels became one of the first navy squadrons to fly the F/A-18 Hornet. This aircraft would remain their mainstay until the mid-2000s, when they were upgraded to the F/A-18 Super Hornet.
Current aircraft capabilities
The F/A-18 Hornet and Super Hornet are advanced, dual-role fighter aircraft that perform multiple tasks with ease:
- Multi-role warfare: The F/A-18 can conduct air-to-air combat, air-to-ground strikes, and radar jamming.
- Speed and agility: It can reach speeds of 700 mph and perform quick rolls, tight turns, and steep dives.
- Avionics suite: The F/A-18 has an advanced digital avionics system with multiple radar and navigation modes.
How the aircraft are modified for the Blue Angels
The F/A-18s used by the Blue Angels undergo specialized modifications to prepare them for aerobatic performances. These modifications include:
• Weight reduction: 20-30 pounds (9-14 kg) are removed from the aircraft to improve performance and acceleration.
• Power increase: The General Electric F414-GE-400 engine is rated at 14,800 pounds of thrust, increasing the aircraft’s power by 4,000 pounds (1,800 kg).
• Airspeed increase: Aerodynamic tweaks allow for an increase in airspeed to 700 mph, making the aircraft more suitable for high-speed maneuvers.
Safety considerations
Flight safety is of utmost importance for the Blue Angels, and they employ various procedures to ensure a safe experience for the pilots and ground crew:
- Four-aircraft minimum: They fly with at least four aircraft during performances, ensuring that no single mishap can result in aircraft loss.
- Checklists and briefs: Pilots follow checklists and conduct thorough pre-flight briefs to cover every aspect of the aerobatic routine.
- Regular maintenance: All aircraft are regularly inspected, serviced, and maintained by highly trained ground crew and technicians.
Comparison: F/A-18 Hornets vs. F/A-18 Super Hornets
