http://www.blueangels.navy.mil/faq.htm Why don't the pilots wear G-suits? G-suits are designed with air bladders (pockets) which inflate and deflate to keep a pilots' blood from pooling in the pilots' legs while executing sharp, unpredicted combat maneuvers. Unlike combat flying, the Blue Angels demonstration pilots know the maneuvers they will fly prior to execution, each pilot knows when one will be pulling gravitational forces. Knowing and anticipating the changes in gravitational forces allows the Blue Angels demonstration pilots to combat the G-forces with muscle contractions. In addition, the Boeing F/A-18's control stick is mounted so it is centered between the pilot's legs. The Blue Angels have a spring, with 35 pounds of pressure, installed on the control stick which gives the pilot a "false feel, " allowing the pilot minimal room for uncommanded movement. The pilots rest their right arms on their thighs for support and stability while flying. The G-suits' inflating and deflating air bladders would interrupt this support and stability, causing uncommanded aircraft movement. Overall G-suits would detrimentally impact flight safety.
What are the fastest and slowest speeds flown during an air show?The fastest speed is about 700 mph (just under Mach 1; sneak pass) and the slowest speed is about 120 mph (indicated speed; Section High Alpha), both flown by the solo pilots during the show.
What are the major differences between the fleet model and the Blue Angel F/A-18?The Blue Angel F/A-18s have the nose cannon removed, a smoke-oil tank installed and a spring installed on the stick which applies pressure for better formation and inverted flying. Otherwise, the aircraft that the squadron flies are the same as those in the fleet. Each Blue Angel aircraft is fleet capable and able to return to combat duty aboard an aircraft carrier within 72 hours.
<EDIT> Since someone is going to ask...
http://www.airforce.com/thunderbirds/f-16_fact.htm Thunderbird Modifications
Dogfight switch rewired to accommodate smoke oil on/off switch
Smoke oil safe switch added to right console
Smoke oil plumbing
Ammunition drum and cannon removed to accommodate smoke oil drum
The jet-fuel starter doors were removed
Thunderbird paint scheme and motif
[ 07-15-2001: Message edited by: Toad ]
