The History of the Blue Angels Aircraft
You’ll often see the Blue Angels performing at airshows up and down the country. This team of aircraft takes formation flying to a whole new level. You might be surprised to know that the Blue Angels aren’t what you’d call ‘new’. They have been around for a while! Today we are looking at the history of the Blue Angels aircraft and where you might be able to spot a piece of history for yourself.
Who are the Blue Angels?
The Blue Angels are one of the worlds leading military aerobatic display teams. They currently operate an aircraft called the Boeing F/A-18 super hornet. The makeup of the blue angles is traditionally composed of six aircraft. In its present form, these are flown by five Navy pilots and one marine corps pilot.
A Blue Angels show is certainly an unforgettable experience. You’ll see loops, rolls, head-to-head passes, and other amazing feats! The list of maneuvers is impressive (and also slightly nail-biting)
This History of the Blue Angels Aircraft
While you might see the Blue Angels flying extremely fast and modern fighter jets, it hasn’t always been this way. The Blue Angels have also flown propellor-driven aircraft and airplanes much smaller than the current craft.
The Blue Angels were first formed in 1946 and were part of the navy. They were originally formed to display the aircraft and garner public support for the navy. It might surprise you to learn that their name came, not from any official designation, but from a nightclub called the ‘Blue Angel’ in New York!
The first flights were a dangerous affair! So much so that they practiced in secret to avoid the public finding out about any accidents!
The first aircraft flown by the Blue Angels were propeller-driven Grumman aircraft such as the F6F Hellcat and F8F Bearcat… However, it didn’t take them long to see the benefits of using jets instead, and as of 1949, the Grumman Panther in 1949.
The age of the Blue Angels display team is astounding. Although there are only 6 Blue Angels aircraft at any one time, in the History of the Blue Angels, there has been a total of 272 pilots who have worn the coveted blue flight suit, first adopted in 1954.
Over the next three decades, the Blue Angels would transition away from Grumman to several other different types of aircraft that you can see below…
Which Aircraft Have Been in The Blue Angels?
To fly with the precision and speed that the Blue Angels do, they have always needed the latest cutting-edge aircraft technology. The list below features many aircraft, which at the time were state of the art.
– Grumman F6F Hellcat
The Grumman F6F Hellcat was considered one of the most successful fighter aircraft of the war. With its huge engine and stubby wings, it shot down more fighters than any other aircraft on the planet! Being launched from an aircraft carrier meant it was a natural choice as a navy display aircraft.
– Grumman F8F Bearcat
While this wasn’t the first aircraft to be used by the Blue Angels, it was the first to carry their official name. This would be the last propeller-driven aircraft that the Blue Angels would fly.
– Grumman F9F Panther
In 1949 the Blue Angels entered the jet age! Sadly in 1950, the unit was disbanded for a time as the pilots were needed for active service in the Korean war!
– Grumman F9F Cougar
The ‘Cougar’ was the first swept-wing jet to be operated by the Blue Angels. This aircraft wasn’t utilized for long. It only flew as part of the Blue Angels from September 1956 until early in 1957.
– Grumman F11F Tiger
The Grumman F11F was an interceptor aircraft designed to fly extremely high and fast to meet potential threats from bombers. This aircraft and its use were considered to be the ‘golden age of the Blue Angels. They would go on to fly it until 1968! This would be the last Grumman aircraft that the Blue Angels would fly.
– McDonnell Douglas F4 Phantom
The F4 Phantom had a leading role in the cold war and the Vietnam war. It was displayed worldwide in Asia, Europe, and South America by the Display team. It would also start a relationship with the Blue Angels and McDonnel Douglas, spanning nearly 30 years!
– Douglas A-4F Skyhawk
With its stubby appearance, the Skyhawk was fast and highly maneuverable (which is just what a display team needs!) and was first used in 1974. It would go on to serve the Blue Angels well for another 12 years!
– McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet
This was the beginning of what most people classically associate with the Blue Angels. The F/A18, with its swept wings and twin tail, has become an iconic classic. Flying at up to 700mph (even during displays) brings a whole new meaning to the phrase “blink, and you’ll miss it.”
– Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet
The F/A-18 Super Hornet is extremely similar in appearance to the original. However, upgrades to the aircraft have made it one of the best performers in the history of the Blue Angels! If you are at an airshow today, this is the current version that you can see!
Where Can I See Blue Angels Aircraft?
Want the good news?
There are places where you can still see aircraft (both past and present) flown by the Blue Angels. At the Wings Over Camarillo Airshow, our static ground displays include the option of getting very close to a F/A-18!
And there’s more…
If you want a view of the past and to envisage what a Blue Angels display used to look like, you’ll also be able to see the Grumman Wildcat and the Grumman Bearcat… Not as a static display, but actually flying in action!
If you are love history and air displays, then the Wings Over Camarillo air show has plenty for you! With countless historical aircraft and displays that will have you gasping in awe, it is well worth a visit. Why not check when the next event is planned?
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