What Aircraft Do the Blue Angels Fly?
The Blue Angels, the United States Navy’s flight demonstration squadron, have been thrilling audiences for over 70 years with their precision flying skills and iconic aircraft. The team has flown several different planes over the years, but the most well-known and iconic is the F/A-18 Hornet.
The F/A-18 Hornet
The F/A-18 Hornet is a twin-engine, multi-role fighter jet that was used by the Blue Angels from 1986 to 2015. The aircraft is designed to perform both air-to-air combat and air-to-ground strikes. It is powered by two General Electric F404-GE-402 engines, which produce a combined 11,000 pounds of thrust.
The F/A-18 Hornet is 48 feet 3 inches long, 17 feet 6 inches tall, and has a 33 foot 4 inch wingspan. It weighs approximately 24,500 pounds when empty and has a maximum speed of Mach 1.8 (around 1,190 mph).
Blue Angels F/A-18 Hornet Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | 48 feet 3 inches |
| Height | 17 feet 6 inches |
| Wingspan | 33 foot 4 inch |
| Empty Weight | 24,500 pounds |
| Maximum Speed | Mach 1.8 (1,190 mph) |
| Engines | 2 x General Electric F404-GE-402 |
The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet
In 2015, the Blue Angels transitioned to the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, a more advanced version of the F/A-18 Hornet. The Super Hornet is an enhanced version of the F/A-18, with improved engines, avionics, and weapons systems.
The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is powered by two General Electric F414-GE-400 engines, which produce a combined 13,000 pounds of thrust. It has a maximum speed of Mach 1.8 (around 1,190 mph) and a range of 1,200 nautical miles (around 2,200 kilometers).
Blue Angels F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | 59 feet 8 inches |
| Height | 16 feet 6 inches |
| Wingspan | 38 foot 5 inch |
| Empty Weight | 28,500 pounds |
| Maximum Speed | Mach 1.8 (1,190 mph) |
| Engines | 2 x General Electric F414-GE-400 |
| Range | 1,200 nautical miles (2,200 kilometers) |
Other Aircraft Flown by the Blue Angels
Although the F/A-18 Hornet and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet are the most well-known aircraft flown by the Blue Angels, the team has also flown other planes over the years. Some of these aircraft include:
- Grumman F9F-2 Panther (1954-1955)
- Douglas D-558-II Skyrocket (1955)
- F8U-1 Crusader (1956-1962)
- A-4E Skyhawk (1964-1969)
- F-4J Phantom II (1973-1986)
Conclusion
The Blue Angels have been thrilling audiences with their precision flying skills and iconic aircraft for over 70 years. From the F/A-18 Hornet to the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, the team has flown a variety of planes that showcase their incredible skills and precision flying. Whether you’re a history buff, a plane enthusiast, or just someone who loves the thrill of flying, the Blue Angels are an amazing sight to behold.
