| F/A-18 Hornet |
The F/A-18 is a modern carrier-capable strike fighter jet, designed by the US Navy and Marine Corps to attack both ground and aerial targets. It has been the aerial demonstration aircraft for the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels since 1986. It is used primarily for fighter escort, fleet air defense and reconnaissance. Later developments improved the capability of night attacks.
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| Blue Angels: |
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The Blue Angels - flying in formation in the image above - are the US Navy’s flight aerobatic exhibition team that consists of six demonstration pilots who fly F/A-18 Hornets at air shows throughout the US. This precision flight team was formed in 1946 and excels at showing off the abilities of airplanes and pilots while flying at high speeds and performing amazing maneuvers. |
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| FACTS & STATS: |
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| Range |
2,070 miles (3,333 km) |
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| Engine |
| Two GE F404-GE-402EPE low bypass turbofans |
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| Wingspan |
| 37 ft 6 in (11.46 m) |
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| Max Speed |
| Mach 1.8 (1.8 times the speed of sound) |
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| Ceiling |
| 50,000 ft (15,000 m) |
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| Weight |
Empty: 24,700 lbs (11,204 kg)
Loaded: 50,000 lbs (22,680 kg) |
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| Armament |
| One 20 mm M61A1 Vulcan cannon; bombs; rockets |
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| Click on the pictures below to learn more about each image! |
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