Current Aircraft Are Among The Oldest In The Fleet

The U.S. Navy has asked Boeing to develop plans for converting its newest F/A-18E Super Hornets to a configuration that would be appropriate for the Navy's Blue Angels.

According to a story appearing on Foxtrot Alpha, the current airplanes flown by the demonstration team are among the oldest in the fleet, and are in need of constant maintenance and repair. In one instance, a portion of a control surface broke off of an airplane during flight.

Modifications could include such changes as removing the airplane's 20mm Vulcan cannon, upgrading the fuel system to allow sustained inverted flight, adding a smoke system, and possibly more forward tension on the control stick for added precision.

There is a precedent. The Air Force Thunderbirds fly late-model Block 52 F-16C/D airplanes. And if there is a need, both the Thunderbirds' F-16s and the Blue Angels' Hornets can be converted back to combat aircraft relatively easily.

The Super Hornet is a larger airplane, which could give formations a fuller look. The upgrade would also mean an increase in range for the team, allowing them to rely less on aerial refueling. The team would have a more reliable airplane with enhanced support.

So far, the Navy has only asked Boeing for an engineering plan, which is far from actually getting the Blue Angels into newer airplanes.

(Image from file)

FMI: www.blueangels.navy.mil