Intro
Experience the thrill of the 6 planes of the Blue Angels, the US Navys elite flight demonstration squadron. Learn about the F/A-18 Hornets and their precision flying, formations, and aerobatic maneuvers. Discover the history, pilots, and iconic shows of this esteemed team, showcasing American aviation excellence.
The Blue Angels, the iconic flight demonstration squadron of the United States Navy, have a rich history of thrilling audiences with their precision flying and death-defying stunts. Over the years, the team has flown a variety of planes, each with its own unique characteristics and capabilities. In this article, we'll take a closer look at six of the most notable planes to have been flown by the Blue Angels.
1. F9F Panther (1946-1954)
The F9F Panther was the first plane to be flown by the Blue Angels, which was formed in 1946. This single-engine, straight-winged fighter jet was powered by a Rolls-Royce Nene engine and had a top speed of over 600 mph. The F9F Panther was used by the Blue Angels for eight years, during which time the team performed at numerous air shows and demonstrations.
Key Features:
- Single-engine, straight-winged fighter jet
- Powered by a Rolls-Royce Nene engine
- Top speed: over 600 mph
2. F11F Tiger (1954-1958)
The F11F Tiger was the second plane to be flown by the Blue Angels, which was introduced in 1954. This single-engine, swept-winged fighter jet was powered by a Wright J65 engine and had a top speed of over 700 mph. The F11F Tiger was used by the Blue Angels for four years, during which time the team performed at numerous air shows and demonstrations.
Key Features:
- Single-engine, swept-winged fighter jet
- Powered by a Wright J65 engine
- Top speed: over 700 mph
3. F4H Phantom II (1958-1968)
The F4H Phantom II was the third plane to be flown by the Blue Angels, which was introduced in 1958. This twin-engine, multi-role fighter jet was powered by two General Electric J79 engines and had a top speed of over Mach 2. The F4H Phantom II was used by the Blue Angels for ten years, during which time the team performed at numerous air shows and demonstrations.
Key Features:
- Twin-engine, multi-role fighter jet
- Powered by two General Electric J79 engines
- Top speed: over Mach 2
4. F-4J Phantom II (1969-1974)
The F-4J Phantom II was the fourth plane to be flown by the Blue Angels, which was introduced in 1969. This twin-engine, multi-role fighter jet was powered by two General Electric J79 engines and had a top speed of over Mach 2. The F-4J Phantom II was used by the Blue Angels for five years, during which time the team performed at numerous air shows and demonstrations.
Key Features:
- Twin-engine, multi-role fighter jet
- Powered by two General Electric J79 engines
- Top speed: over Mach 2
5. A-4F Skyhawk (1974-1986)
The A-4F Skyhawk was the fifth plane to be flown by the Blue Angels, which was introduced in 1974. This single-engine, carrier-based attack jet was powered by a Pratt & Whitney J52 engine and had a top speed of over 600 mph. The A-4F Skyhawk was used by the Blue Angels for twelve years, during which time the team performed at numerous air shows and demonstrations.
Key Features:
- Single-engine, carrier-based attack jet
- Powered by a Pratt & Whitney J52 engine
- Top speed: over 600 mph
6. F/A-18 Hornet (1986-present)
The F/A-18 Hornet is the current plane flown by the Blue Angels, which was introduced in 1986. This twin-engine, multi-role fighter jet is powered by two General Electric F404 engines and has a top speed of over Mach 1.8. The F/A-18 Hornet has been used by the Blue Angels for over thirty years, during which time the team has performed at numerous air shows and demonstrations.
Key Features:
- Twin-engine, multi-role fighter jet
- Powered by two General Electric F404 engines
- Top speed: over Mach 1.8
Gallery of Blue Angels Planes
Blue Angels Planes
What is the Blue Angels' current plane?
+The Blue Angels' current plane is the F/A-18 Hornet.
How many planes have the Blue Angels flown?
+The Blue Angels have flown six different planes: the F9F Panther, F11F Tiger, F4H Phantom II, F-4J Phantom II, A-4F Skyhawk, and F/A-18 Hornet.
How long has the Blue Angels been performing?
+The Blue Angels have been performing for over seventy years, since their formation in 1946.
The Blue Angels have a long history of thrilling audiences with their precision flying and death-defying stunts. From the F9F Panther to the F/A-18 Hornet, each of the six planes flown by the team has played a significant role in their success. With their stunning formations and awe-inspiring maneuvers, the Blue Angels continue to captivate audiences around the world.
We hope you've enjoyed this article about the Blue Angels' planes. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them with us.