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Former Blue Angels F/A-18A Hornet (163439) in iconic blue and yellow livery at the Smithsonian Udvar-Hazy Center.
© Raid_nations02
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Spotter's notes
This aircraft was a mainstay of the Blue Angels demonstration team fleet and is notable for its role in public relations and recruitment for the U.S. Navy.
Aircraft identity
Registration
163439
ICAO Type
F/A-18A
Model
F/A-18A Hornet
Manufacturer
McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing)
Airline
U.S. Navy (Blue Angels)
Livery
U.S. Navy Blue Angels Demonstration Team
Military
Military
Technicals
Engine
2 × General Electric F404-GE-402 afterburning turbofans
Thrust
71.2 kN (16,000 lbf) each with afterburner
Wingspan
13.62 m
Length
17.07 m
Height
4.66 m
MTOW
23,542 kg
Range
2,017 km
Capacity
Single pilot (demonstration configuration)
Cruise Speed
1,062 km/h
Noise Rating
≈128 dB (static ground run, ICAO Chapter 3)