The squadron's six demonstration pilots fly the Boeing F/A-18 Hornet in more than 70 shows at 34 locations throughout the United States each year, where they still employ many of the same practices and techniques used in their aerial displays in 1946.Since their inception, the "Blues" have flown a variety of different aircraft types for more than 427 million spectators worldwide.
Since their first flight demonstration in Grumman F6F Hellcats in June 1946, the Blue Angels have thrilled millions of people with the most exact, low-level formation flying ever performed. Today the Blue Angels are flying supersonic F11F-1 Tiger, to demonstrate precision techniques of Naval aviation to Naval personnel and the public. (1950s postcard photo courtesy of the U.S. Navy)
The F11F-1 Tiger joined the fleet in 1957 as a replacement to Grumman's F8U Crusader. The Blue Angels flew the Tiger from 1957 to 1969. (U.S. Navy Photo)
The McDonnell Douglas A-4F "Skyhawk II" was flown by the Blue Angels from 1974 to 1986. (U.S. Navy Photo)
In 1986 the Blue Angels replaced their A-4F "Skyhawks" with the Boeing F/A-18 "Hornet".
