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The U.S. Navy Blue Angels take off in tight formation, trailing colored smoke for a demonstration display.
© shaydis13
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Spotter's notes
US Navy Blue Angels F/A-18E at NAF El Centro during winter training 2025.
Aircraft identity
ICAO Type
F18
Model
F/A-18 Hornet (specifically F/A-18 Super Hornet for modern Blue Angels displays)
Manufacturer
Boeing
Airline
U.S. Navy (Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron)
Livery
U.S. Navy Blue Angels demonstration team livery (blue and gold)
Military
Military
Technicals
Engine
General Electric F404-GE-402 (or F414 for Super Hornet)
Thrust
F404: 79.6 kN per engine with afterburner (F414: 97.9 kN per engine with afterburner)
Wingspan
13.62 m (F/A-18A-D) / 13.62 m (Super Hornet with wings spread)
Length
17.1 m (F/A-18A-D) / 18.31 m (Super Hornet)
Height
4.66 m (F/A-18A-D and Super Hornet)
MTOW
23,000 kg (F/A-18A-D) / 29,937 kg (Super Hornet)
Range
2,346 km (F/A-18A-D) / 2,346 km (Super Hornet, clean configuration)
Capacity
Single or two crew (pilot/trainer configuration); no passengers
Cruise Speed
900 km/h (subsonic cruise); max speed Mach 1.8 (1,915 km/h)
Noise Rating
Military, not rated under ICAO civil scale; 130 dB (jet military operations typical)
Location
Airport Code
NJK/KNJK
Airport Name
El Centro NAF Airport (Vraciu Field)
Camera
Device
Nikon D800
Lens
200-500mm