F-22 goes vertical

[Sandman]

Originally posted by BlueJ1
I thought the Blue Angels got their jets from the fleet. Used.

Not according to US Naval Institute.

The Navy–Marine Corps Blue Angels flight demonstration team began flying the F/A-18 in 1987. These are early, development models of the Hornet that are not carrier capable.

[Shaky]

Originally posted by BlueJ1
I'll be fixing those purty F-22s in a few months time. Im setting a goal for myself to work on the ground crew of the Blue Angels.

You are aware that the F-22 Raptor is a USAF (United States Air Force) aircraft, right? Squids aint getting em.

[BlueJ1]

According to the show on the Blue Angels on the Military channel. THe Marine in charge of repairing "new" F-18s said that the one we were looking at had just come back from the fleet. From there they go to A schools for new personel to the Navy to learn on or on a stick (put on a stand for public display).


Navy dosnt have F-22 yet. But Im sure in my planned atleast 20 year career I will see one. I mistated the month part.

[Sandman]

Originally posted by BlueJ1
According to the show on the Blue Angels on the Military channel. THe Marine in charge of repairing "new" F-18s said that the one we were looking at had just come back from the fleet. From there they go to A schools for new personel to the Navy to learn on or on a stick (put on a stand for public display).


Navy dosnt have F-22 yet. But Im sure in my planned atleast 20 year career I will see one. I mistated the month part.

I suspect that the Naval Institute is out of date. According to the Navy.com Blue Angels FAQ:

How many jets are in the Squadron?

The Blue Angels currently have 11 jets: numbers 1 through 6, 2 two-seat (#7) jets and 3 spare jets.

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.

Are Blue Angels’ aircraft carrier capable?

All of the Blue Angels’ jets are carrier-capable and can be made combat ready in about 72 hours. The squadron’s C-130 (“Fat Albert”) is a Marine Corps fleet aircraft manned by the squadron Marine Corps detachment and was not designed for routine carrier operations.

Apparently, the cost of making an aircraft combat ready or demonstration ready is minimal.

[BlueJ1]

Sandman, Id take your answer over mine. I cannot provide a real quote or fact. Plus who knows where this Marine got his information. And it was on tv...

[DiabloTX]

Originally posted by DiabloTX
I was watching "A Year With The Blue Angels" yesterday on The Military Channel and was surprised to learn the Blues use nothing but fleet "retirees" for thier purposes.  The Blues use these aircraft, getting the very last use out of them, and then the planes are sent into mothballs, scrapped, or stuck on a pole for public viewing.

That's what I been sayin', damnnnnnnnn yo!

[Sandman]

BlueJ and Diablo, you're correct as near as I can tell.

[Elfie]

Apparently, the cost of making an aircraft combat ready or demonstration ready is minimal.

Sounds the like Air Force's Thunderbird team, a new paint job, put the gun back in and those F-16's are again combat ready.