Did you know that the F-18 Blue Angels jets are the undisputed world’s first and most popular air exhibition team? Oh yes they are, pilots! In fact, the Blue Angels perform at least 50 air shows a year – worldwide!
History of the F-18 Blue Angels
The Blue Angels air team originated when Admiral Chester Nimitz proposed a service flight team to promote public interest in the U.S. Navy, and naval aviation. The team performed for the first time on June 14, 1946, flying four Grumman F6F Hellcats. In August of that year, they upgraded their aircraft to the faster, more nimble Grumman F8F Bearcat.
As the popularity of the Blue Angels increased, the performance of their aircraft also grew. In 1949 the team transitioned to their first jet fighter aircraft, the Grumman F9F Panther. Through the years they have also flown the F9 Cougar, the Grumman F11F Tiger, the McDonnell Douglas F4 Phantom, the McDonnell Douglas A-4 Skyhawk, and since 1986, the F/A-18 Hornet.
Today, the first of 24 F/A-18 Super Hornets, destined for use by Australia, completed assembly on July 10, 2009. It is the two seat model F.
Now, the F-18 Blue Angels are stationed out of Pensacola, Florida, enjoy world wide popularity. The patterns that they fly in their demonstrations are modifications of combat maneuvers performed in Naval aviation.
Performing 50 Air shows a year, the Angels delight over fifteen million people by their spectacular formation flying. It is estimated that over 425 million people have watched the F-18 Blue Angels perform since the team’s first exhibit over 50 years ago.
