@AirDotShow

The U.S. Navy Blue Angels fly the F/A-18E Super Hornets and perform a combination of formation and solo maneuvers in an inspiring high energy performance. In all, the pilots perform approximately 20 maneuvers during the full demonstration that lasts approximately 40 minutes.

During their aerobatic demonstration, the six-member team opens their demo split into the diamond formation (#1-4) and the Lead and Opposing Solos (#5-6). Most of the show alternates between maneuvers performed by the Diamond Formation and those performed by the Solos. The Diamond performs maneuvers such as formation loops, rolls and passes at speed of over 400 mph, typically less than 3 feet apart.

The Solos showcase the high performance capabilities of the Super Hornet performing high-speed passes, slow passes, fast rolls, slow rolls, and very tight turns.  During the double sneak pass the solos “Mach knock” at speeds approaching 700 mph, just under the speed of sound.  During the High Alpha pass also known as a “Tail stand,”  Blue Angel 6 is at a speed of just 125 mph.  Some maneuvers feature  both solo aircraft performing at once.  These include opposing passes where the two jets cross less than 100 feet apart at show center at a combined closing speed of over 1,000 mph and mirror formations flying just feet apart traveling in the same direction. The Solos join the Diamond Formation near the end of the show for a number of maneuvers in the Delta Formation.