Blue Angels Comment on Super Hornet Transition

[RyanS]

We just published a new post on our blog not only highlighting some of our videos of the US Navy Blue Angels performing at Oshkosh (there are a couple more videos to come as well), but also passing along some comments that the pilots made during their presentation at Theater in the Woods.

Full article: https://airshowstuff.com/v4/2017/blue-a ... ion-plans/

It sounds like 2019 is the target date set by a CNATRA Admiral, and they are working toward that. Unclear if that means before or after the 2019 season but it is just tentative anyway. There are some Super Hornets set aside for the team but right now they are inducting 3 more legacy Hornets to replace jets that they have lost.

At least two Blues (no longer on the team now) have flown the demo profile in a Super Hornet sim.

Hopefully this puts to rest any of this "Blues are getting Supers in September" bullshit that I've seen going around!

[RyanS]

Here's an update on the transition to Super Hornets, based on a published contract with Boeing today:

https://airshowstuff.com/v4/2018/the-bl ... ears-away/

[RyanS]

A lot more details on the Super Hornet transition, including some interesting info on why Super Hornets!

https://airshowstuff.com/v4/2019/former ... w-routine/

[RyanS]

Talking with some others, the group consensus on the maneuver that is sketchy in a Super Hornet is the Diamond Dirty Loop. I would except that one to be modified or removed.

As for cutting a solo maneuver, I hope to god it's the double tuck over roll. I don't watch it now anyway!

[awal2049]

As far as aircraft stress goes, the low break cross is probably the most intense maneuver for the diamond. I hope they keep it though, because I like watching it. They still have the dirty roll if the dirty loop is an issue.

[ChargerF18]

If anyone is interested in hearing a more in depth discussion regarding the transition from the Hornet to Super Hornet, this Podcast is very informative!!

https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aH ... DIxODQ5NzU

[RyanS]

Someone from VX-23 recently gave some insight into the Blue Angel Super Hornet transition and the flight test work going on at NAS Pax River.

https://airshowstuff.com/v4/2020/new-up ... ransition/

[Dan Gagnon]

First Blue Angels Super Hornet departs from Cecil Field to NAS Pensacola.

Capt. Eric Doyle, Director of the Blue Angels Super Hornet Transition Team, departs Boeing Cecil field for Naval Air Station Pensacola, in the first Blue Angels F/A-18 Super Hornet, July 27.

“Acquiring our first Super Hornet is a momentous step in our inevitable transition scheduled for later this year and it required a herculean effort to get these fleet jets ready for our team,” said Cmdr. Brian Kesselring, commanding officer and flight leader of the Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels.

The Blue Angels are slated to transition to the F/A-18 Super Hornet later this year after using the F/A-18 Hornet for 34 years.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_ ... 0116181782

[RyanS]

The first Blue Angel Super Hornet is on deck in Pensacola! Cool how they had a little photo shoot for it

https://airshowstuff.com/v4/2020/the-fi ... pensacola/

[n33d4sp33d_85]

Looking forward to the new chapter in the history of the Blue Angels.