Intro
Witness the evolution of the iconic Blue Angels squadron with a look back at 7 of their most notable aircraft through the years. From the F6F Hellcat to the F/A-18 Hornet, discover the impressive fleet that has captivated audiences with precision flight demonstrations and aerobatic performances.
The Blue Angels, the iconic flight demonstration squadron of the United States Navy, has been thrilling audiences with their precision flying and death-defying stunts for over 70 years. With a rich history of innovation and excellence, the Blue Angels have flown a variety of aircraft over the years, each with its unique characteristics and capabilities. In this article, we'll take a look at 7 Blue Angels aircraft through the years, highlighting their features, performance, and the impact they had on the squadron's legacy.
The Grumman F6F Hellcat (1946-1949)
The Grumman F6F Hellcat was the Blue Angels' first aircraft, flown by the squadron from 1946 to 1949. The Hellcat was a powerful and maneuverable plane, with a top speed of over 400 mph and a range of over 1,500 miles. Its impressive performance and rugged design made it an ideal choice for the Blue Angels' early years.
Key Features:
* Length: 33 ft 7 in (10.2 m) * Wingspan: 42 ft 10 in (13.1 m) * Height: 13 ft 1 in (4.0 m) * Empty weight: 9,600 lb (4,354 kg) * Gross weight: 14,000 lb (6,350 kg)The Grumman F9F Panther (1949-1954)
The Grumman F9F Panther was the Blue Angels' first jet-powered aircraft, flown by the squadron from 1949 to 1954. The Panther was a significant improvement over the Hellcat, with a top speed of over 600 mph and a range of over 1,000 miles. Its sleek design and impressive performance made it a crowd favorite.
Key Features:
* Length: 37 ft 5 in (11.4 m) * Wingspan: 38 ft 10 in (11.8 m) * Height: 12 ft 3 in (3.7 m) * Empty weight: 10,400 lb (4,717 kg) * Gross weight: 16,000 lb (7,257 kg)The North American FJ-1 Fury (1954-1956)
The North American FJ-1 Fury was the Blue Angels' first swept-wing aircraft, flown by the squadron from 1954 to 1956. The Fury was a high-performance plane, with a top speed of over 650 mph and a range of over 1,200 miles. Its unique design and impressive capabilities made it a standout in the Blue Angels' fleet.
Key Features:
* Length: 37 ft 5 in (11.4 m) * Wingspan: 40 ft 5 in (12.3 m) * Height: 13 ft 1 in (4.0 m) * Empty weight: 11,200 lb (5,080 kg) * Gross weight: 17,000 lb (7,711 kg)The Grumman F11F Tiger (1956-1968)
The Grumman F11F Tiger was the Blue Angels' longest-serving aircraft, flown by the squadron from 1956 to 1968. The Tiger was a highly maneuverable plane, with a top speed of over 700 mph and a range of over 1,200 miles. Its durability and impressive performance made it a favorite among Blue Angels pilots.
Key Features:
* Length: 37 ft 5 in (11.4 m) * Wingspan: 31 ft 7 in (9.6 m) * Height: 12 ft 3 in (3.7 m) * Empty weight: 12,400 lb (5,625 kg) * Gross weight: 19,000 lb (8,618 kg)The McDonnell Douglas F-4J Phantom II (1968-1974)
The McDonnell Douglas F-4J Phantom II was the Blue Angels' first multi-seat aircraft, flown by the squadron from 1968 to 1974. The Phantom II was a high-performance plane, with a top speed of over 1,200 mph and a range of over 1,500 miles. Its impressive capabilities and unique design made it a standout in the Blue Angels' fleet.
Key Features:
* Length: 62 ft 1 in (18.9 m) * Wingspan: 38 ft 5 in (11.7 m) * Height: 16 ft 5 in (5.0 m) * Empty weight: 30,300 lb (13,757 kg) * Gross weight: 48,000 lb (21,772 kg)The McDonnell Douglas A-4F Skyhawk (1974-1986)
The McDonnell Douglas A-4F Skyhawk was the Blue Angels' first single-seat aircraft, flown by the squadron from 1974 to 1986. The Skyhawk was a highly maneuverable plane, with a top speed of over 600 mph and a range of over 1,000 miles. Its durability and impressive performance made it a favorite among Blue Angels pilots.
Key Features:
* Length: 40 ft 1 in (12.2 m) * Wingspan: 27 ft 6 in (8.4 m) * Height: 15 ft 1 in (4.6 m) * Empty weight: 10,000 lb (4,536 kg) * Gross weight: 18,000 lb (8,165 kg)The F/A-18 Hornet (1986-Present)
The F/A-18 Hornet is the Blue Angels' current aircraft, flown by the squadron since 1986. The Hornet is a high-performance multi-role fighter, with a top speed of over 1,200 mph and a range of over 1,500 miles. Its impressive capabilities and unique design make it a standout in the Blue Angels' fleet.
Key Features:
* Length: 56 ft 1 in (17.1 m) * Wingspan: 40 ft 5 in (12.3 m) * Height: 15 ft 3 in (4.6 m) * Empty weight: 24,700 lb (11,210 kg) * Gross weight: 44,000 lb (19,958 kg)Blue Angels Aircraft Gallery
What is the Blue Angels' current aircraft?
+The Blue Angels' current aircraft is the F/A-18 Hornet.
How many aircraft have the Blue Angels flown throughout their history?
+The Blue Angels have flown a total of 7 different aircraft throughout their history.
What is the fastest aircraft ever flown by the Blue Angels?
+The fastest aircraft ever flown by the Blue Angels is the F/A-18 Hornet, with a top speed of over 1,200 mph.
The Blue Angels have a rich history of innovation and excellence, and their aircraft have played a significant role in their success. From the Grumman F6F Hellcat to the F/A-18 Hornet, each aircraft has contributed to the squadron's legacy and continues to thrill audiences around the world. Whether you're a seasoned aviation enthusiast or just a fan of the Blue Angels, there's no denying the impact these aircraft have had on the squadron's history and reputation.