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Iconic U.S. Navy Blue Angels F/A-18 Hornet on display in classic demonstration team livery.
© Unknown
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Spotter's notes
This aircraft is a museum display, likely at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center of the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum. The Blue Angels use a very distinctive adaptation of the F/A-18 for their aerobatic displays.
Aircraft identity
ICAO Type
F18
Model
F/A-18 Hornet
Manufacturer
McDonnell Douglas / Boeing
Airline
U.S. Navy Blue Angels (demonstration team)
Livery
U.S. Navy Blue Angels demonstration team livery
Military
Military
Technicals
Engine
2 × General Electric F404-GE-402 turbofans
Thrust
7,258 kgf (71.2 kN / 16,000 lbf) each engine with afterburner
Wingspan
13.62 m
Length
17.1 m
Height
4.66 m
MTOW
23,400 kg
Range
2,346 km (clean, ferry range with drop tanks ~3,330 km)
Capacity
1 (pilot); trainer version 2 (pilot and co-pilot/instructor)
Cruise Speed
1,062 km/h (Mach 0.85)
Noise Rating
Typical maximum takeoff: 130+ dB at source (not rated by ICAO civil standards)