Permalink: http://www.boeingimages.com/archive/Blue-Angel-F-A-18A-Hornet-Knife-Edge-2F3XC5Y4ZK.htmlCopyright © Boeing. All Rights Reserved.View Photo/Video onlyConceptually similarBlue Angels F/A-18A Hornet Performing a Diamond 360Blue Angels Flight Leader Lands at St. LouisF/A-18 Hornet in FlightF/A-18 Hornet in FlightThe Super Hornet Demonstrates its Aerial Refueling CapabilityF/A-18 Hornet in a Steep AscentBlue Angels F/A-18A Hornet in a Diamond Flat PassF/A-18E Super Hornet with F/A-18C Hornet in FlightTwo F/A-18 Hornet in Flight at SunsetView AllView more with similar tones Blue Angel F/A-18A Hornet Knife-EdgeBuy A Print or License This PhotoWhat Type of Order?Usage: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)Maximum size:6000px × 4775px (~81 MB)20.0in × 15.9in (300dpi)License type:Rights ManagedKeywords:2000s-agility-air to air-attack-banking-blue-Blue Angels-cutouts-day-exteriors-F/A-18A Hornet-fighter/attack-fighters-flying-full body views-gray skies-jets-left side views-military-military livery-multirole-photos-text-tilt views-yellowRelated Photo/Videos:View AllRelated Virtual folders:US Navy Blue Angels