future of blue angels f-18's ???

[tom d. friedman]

any speculation on what the blue angels replacement will be for the current f-18's??? & how long will they continue to use the hornet in that capacity??

[Jack Cook]

The Goshawk would be awesome!

[Mike]

Bearing in mind that they continued to use the A-4s for many years after they left USN front-line service, I'd say a long time yet.

Considering that the only replacement in USN service is likely to be either 1) More F-18s, or 2) The JSF (assuming it ever enters service), why would they contemplate replacing the Blue Angels F-18s in the forseeable future?

[CorsairFreak]

The only replacement I can see in the near future would be if they upgraded to the Super Bugs. The F/S-18Es.

[Dan K]

Maybe it's just me, but...

Here in the boondocks of central Wisconsin we've got F-16's chasing each other overhead night and day. When my two oldest boys and I were watching the Blue Angels practice in Pensacola this summer, they were bored after 10 minutes and wanted to check out the "good stuff" inside the museum (*sniff*...I've trained them so well...).

Anyway, my choice of favorite military demo team is the Snowbirds. Sure the trainers are slower, but for me the massive formations they put together are far more fascinating than the high-speed, two- and four-ship passes of the Angels or Thunderbirds.

Is there something wrong with me? Are there other WIXers who prefer the Snowbirds for that reason? Should I seek professional help?

[Mike]

I really think you do need to seek professional help, Dan.

VERY professional help.

I suggest a trip to see the Red Arrows, La Patrouille de France and the Frecce Tricolori.

That will restore your sense of perspective.

If you think the Snowbirds are good (and they are!), just wait until you've seen these guys.

[tom d. friedman]

mike makes the most valid point. from the $$$$$$$$ point of view i'm sure the pentagon is taking the same approach. however..... i would love to be proved wrong, as i'm sure everybody else here would be!!!!

[Jack Cook]

Back in the time a long gas lines and shortages here the demo teams were forced to give up their gas guzzling F-4s. The Blues flew A-4s and the T-Birds flew T-38s. Not only were they easier on the go juice but the recruiters used the fact that they were trainers to inspire a prospective aviation canidate ie If their doing that in a trainer imagine what you could do in a F-14. I think Goshawk would be a awesome display aircraft.

[RMAllnutt]

I have to agree that smaller, more nimble jets are much more enjoyable to see in formation aerobatics. I have seen the Blues and 'birds many times, and while they are impressive, their routines are a bit frustrating, because they spend so much time off the main show center. They are simply too big and heavy to keep their routine within the confines of the airshow arena.

I have seen the Reds and Snowbirds many times, and absolutely love them both. I would have to agree that the Reds are better, but that does not detract from a remarkably tight performance by the Snowbirds.

However, I must admit that one of the most impressive large formation aerobatic performances I ever saw was by the Chilean Airforce Team, the Halcones, at Geneseo many years ago. It was a staggeringly tight routine, and left many in the crowd breathless!

I think that the Blues and Thunderbirds should change to something smaller myself, but they are amazing performers none the less.

Cheers,
Richard

[Tulio]

... Anyway, my choice of favorite military demo team is the Snowbirds.

The Brazilian Squadron de Fumaca (Smoke Squadron) puts a very impressive show with T-27 Tucanos; very spirited, and at a level of quality and innovation that is outstanding.

The Salvadorean Air Force, with a few A-37Bs in their Escuadrilla Cuscatlan, are also worth seeing.

Guatemala used to have a great team, the Escuadrilla Quetzales, but attrition and combat priorities in the 1980s and early 90s, caused the Squadron to disband.

Saludos,


Tulio

[Randy Haskin]

Since the Navy is currently betting the farm on the F-18 airframe, I doubt that the Hornets will be replaced any time soon.

Is there a reason they need to go to a new aircraft?

[Jiggersfromsphilly]

The Goshawk may be more "fiscally responsible" in an age of base closings and deficit spending.

[TimAPNY]

not detract from a remarkably tight performance by the Snowbirds.

However, I must admit that one of the most impressive large formation aerobatic performances I ever saw was by the Chilean Airforce Team, the Halcones, at Geneseo many years ago. It was a staggeringly tight routine, and left many in the crowd breathless!
Richard

Any idea what year theat was, it may help him in some picture IDs. Maybe I'm getting confused with Westover show in Mass. But any idae on the year?

[RickH]

Jack, the T-45 is a Dog ! It's not doing what they hoped in the training command but they are married to it. I've never seen a jet make so much noise and not go anywhere fast as the T-45 on takeoff.

The BAE Hawk is a great little plane but when they started monkeying with the design to suit the Navy and went with the new engine things went downhill fast. T-45 issues are why it has taken so long for the T-2 to leave the inventory.

They Blues fly the oldest jets in the fleet. I've seen a model of the Super Hornet in B/A paint in the Boss's office but it will be a while before they get it.

[TimAPNY]

Jack, the T-45 is a Dog ! It's not doing what they hoped in the training command but they are married to it. .

Replace "Training" with "Fleet" and I've heard the same about the Hornet!