Blue Angels' Aircraft

[Ryoukai]

Can anybody shed some light as to why the Angels never used the Tomcat? Thanks.

 

[paikea]

prolly too big to do those kinds of maneuvers... maybe also they're weren't enough... who knows

that would be nice to see some blue and yellow cats

 

[bch]

way too big.

Also, McDonnell Douglas was also the manufacturer of the A-4 (the predicessor to the hornet in the Blue Angels) so that may have had something to do with it. Also the Tomcat is a 2 person crewed aircraft. No need to have a plane that needs to people just ot do flight demonstration.

 

[airwinger]

they did use F-4's though....and at a time when the F-8, A-4 and A-7 were all in active service

 

[stevew]

They use 18's instead of 14's for the same reason the Air Farse uses 16's instead of 15's for their air demonstarations.... Price $$$

 

[Dave Shutter]

There's a new book on the Blues out covering their history and AC flown and it discusses the Tomcat issue. It was considered at first (early 70's) but to enhance it's performance they wanted them stripped down and apparently it was more expensive to build one without the radar or something to that effect as well as a long list of other problems, money being a big one. So they flew A-4's until 87'.

I'm interested (as well as a lot of other people I guess) as to wether or not they'll change over to Supers.

 

[paikea]

supers are like 40% bigger than previous hornets

 

[PU Grad]

For flight demonstration you want something small, quick, and agile. Does the Super Hornet fit into that category compared to the Hornet?

Kobyra

 

[vegita1220]

Well, official Navy press releases have claimed that the Super Bug has superior low speed handling.

 

[PU Grad]

what about thrust to weight?

 

[Enrique]

Hey

I ask the same question to a Tom Cat pilot. He told me that the F-18 has more control in tight formation, and in the F-14 you really have to work the stick.. And Plus the F-14 is not good has the F-18 in a slow and low leve, manuver.

Thats why the F-18 won the spot.

So I guess the pilot that told me is correct since he flys both now.

 

[Ryoukai]

Thanks for all your answers...I think those should cover everything. Another slightly related question, do any of you have any idea as to whether the Angels will jump to super bugs or hold out for the JSF?

 

[petescheu]

Super is actually only 25% bigger if you are talking about looking at top down view... that comes outa Ships & Aircraft. Pretty sure that it has superior high alpha capability too b/c of the larger LEX.

 

[TNWhiskey]

Weren't supers designed to hold more fuel/ordinance and two man crews...the angels don't need any of those so won't they stay light and maneuverable?

 

[NavyLonghorn]

Only the F is two man. Not E.