What kind of planes do the Navy Blue Angels fly?
During their aerobatic demonstration, the six-member team flys F/A-18E Super Hornets, split into the diamond formation (Blue Angels 1 through 4) and the Lead and Opposing Solos (Blue Angels 5 and 6). Most of the show alternates between maneuvers performed by the Diamond Formation and those performed by the Solos.
How many planes are there in the Blue Angels?
The “Blue Angels” currently fly a total of 11 jets: 9 single-seat F/A-18E Super Hornet, two 2-seat F/A-18F. Only six are used during demonstration flights (normally single-seat versions) and the rest are used as spares, if one of main aircraft is unserviceable and cannot be repaired before the show begins.
Are Blue Angels planes combat ready?
The Blue Angels do not fight in combat. Today, however, the Blue Angels do not fly in combat. Although squadron members do not fly in combat during their two to three-year tour on the team, all of the Blue Angels jets are aircraft carrier-capable and can be made combat-ready in approximately 72 hours, if necessary.
Why do Blue Angels fly with landing gear down?
The power and aerodynamics of the Hornet allows them to perform a slow, high angle of attack “tail sitting” maneuver, and to fly a “dirty” (landing gear down) formation loop. Dirty is plane-speak for gear and/or flaps out, as opposed to a clean configuration.
How much is a Blue Angel plane worth?
The basic acquisition price of an F/A-18 A Hornet is approximately $21 million per plane. However, after being specially equipped, each plane costs $56 million. The US Navy budgets about $40 million a year to maintain the squadron.
Why do the Blue Angels not wear oxygen masks?
We have the utmost trust in each other.” Suiting Up: Fleet squadron pilots wear G-suits, which pressurize to keep blood from pooling in the lower body during high acceleration. Blue Angels can’t do that. Blue Angels also eschew oxygen masks during demonstrations because they typically don’t fly above 15,000 feet.
How do Blue Angels get so close?
The Blue Angels can fly close together due to the air pressure created by each jet. The air creates a bubble of pressure around the aircraft. When the planes start to travel too close, the pilot may feel resistance from the air pressure created by the adjacent aircraft.