Blue Angels celebrate 75th season with new ride
F/A-18 Super Hornets step up
August 06, 2021 in Innovation, Technology
INTO THE SUNSET: After 34 years representing the Blue Angels, F/A-18 Hornets, such as this one in Pensacola, Florida, are now part of the flight demonstration team’s storied past.
PHOTO: ERIC SHINDELBOWER AND SCOTT GIRARD/BOEING
INTO THE SPOTLIGHT: During training over Naval Air Facility El Centro, California, the Blue Angels perform the Line Abreast Loop in the F/A-18 Super Hornet, now the 10th flight demonstration aircraft in team history.
PHOTO: MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 2ND CLASS CODY HENDRIX/U.S. NAVY NAVAIR Public Release 2021-365 Distribution Statement A - Approved for public release; distribution is unlimitedF/A-18E/F SUPER HORNET STATS
- Speed: Mach 1.6 (1,228 mph/1,976 kph)
- Combat Ceiling: >50,000 feet (15,240 meters)
- Supersize: Super Hornets have a 30% larger airframe than legacy F/A-18A/B/C/D Hornets.
- Formation First: The first operational Super Hornet squadron formed in June 2001.
