Blue Angels F/A-18A Hornet Performing a Diamond 360

Blue Angels Flight Leader Lands at St. Louis

F/A-18 Hornet in Flight

The Super Hornet Demonstrates its Aerial Refueling Capability

F/A-18 Hornet in a Steep Ascent

Blue Angels F/A-18A Hornet in a Diamond Flat Pass

F/A-18E Super Hornet with F/A-18C Hornet in Flight

Two F/A-18 Hornet in Flight at Sunset

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Blue Angel F/A-18A Hornet Knife-Edge

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The blue-and-gold paint scheme is immediately recognizable. The heart-stopping aerobatics are famous. ItÆs the Blue Angels, the U.S. NavyÆs squadron of F/A-18 Hornet strike fighters, whose skillful and daring maneuvers win respect around the world. The year 1946 marked the first performance of the Blue Angels, inspired by Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, Chief of Naval Operations. The 17-minute shows were meant to maintain the publicÆs interest in naval aviation after World War II. Shows today are approximately 45 minutes. Six pilots perform 30 exciting maneuvers during each show, never repeating a stunt. Always on the cutting edge of technology, Blue Angels aircraft have transitioned through time. In 1946, they switched from the Grumman F6F Hellcat to the Grumman F8F-1 Bearcat for its increased power. They began using planes with jet engines in 1949 when they flew their first shows with the Grumman F9F-2 Panther. From 1953 to 1956 Blue Angels flew Grumman F9F-8 Cougars, and from 1957 to 1968 flew Grumman F11F-1 Tigers. The versatile McDonnell Douglas F-4J Phantom took center stage in 1969, followed by the nimble McDonnell Douglas A-4F Skyhawk in 1974. Since 1986, the Blue Angels have been working their magic with Boeing F/A-18A Hornets.

BI2662 (c35-1633-149)

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