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BLUE ANGELS : A Different View
For a pretty cool cockpit view of a Blue Angels demonstration of aerobatics.
USNA-At-Large:
Just a comment---these guys make it look so easy, it is impossible to
describe how dangerous this stuff really is. I had the misfortune to be
the permanent wingman for my F-8 squadron CO. On an exchange tour, he
had been a member of the Royal Navy flight demonstration team, and loved
to do formation aerobatics.
So naturally, he established a squadron flight demonstration team, with me on his right wing, Buzzard on his left, and Maggot in the slot. As a nugget, I learned quickly how to fly really close formation, with wing overlap. The Skipper loved to put on an air show for the carrier, which added to the pressure. When we landed after one of these, he would look as cool as ever, while the rest of us were dripping sweat. He would usually say something like, "Was that fun, or WHAT?"
Some say the best Blue Angel shows occurred when they were flying the F-11 Tiger. However, the current generation of Blues, flying the F-18, appears superior to me. Two maneuvers, in particular, are so difficult that I am surprised they do them: the fast-closure join-up from astern by the slot (#4), and the diamond with #1 and 4 flying inverted. The finesse and power control which is required to do this and not bump wingtips is beyond description. The close safety tolerances they use are so demanding that they must be "on their game" every second.
I have seen a few USAF Thunderbird shows in recent years, and they are not even in the same ball park. The Blues are a Navy treasure. I hope they never shut them down.
So naturally, he established a squadron flight demonstration team, with me on his right wing, Buzzard on his left, and Maggot in the slot. As a nugget, I learned quickly how to fly really close formation, with wing overlap. The Skipper loved to put on an air show for the carrier, which added to the pressure. When we landed after one of these, he would look as cool as ever, while the rest of us were dripping sweat. He would usually say something like, "Was that fun, or WHAT?"
Some say the best Blue Angel shows occurred when they were flying the F-11 Tiger. However, the current generation of Blues, flying the F-18, appears superior to me. Two maneuvers, in particular, are so difficult that I am surprised they do them: the fast-closure join-up from astern by the slot (#4), and the diamond with #1 and 4 flying inverted. The finesse and power control which is required to do this and not bump wingtips is beyond description. The close safety tolerances they use are so demanding that they must be "on their game" every second.
I have seen a few USAF Thunderbird shows in recent years, and they are not even in the same ball park. The Blues are a Navy treasure. I hope they never shut them down.
Dick Nelson '64
============ Previous Posts Below
BLUE ANGELS: A Different View!! This is my favorite of all of the Blue Angels videos I've seen.
Harris Wilding
Sound up, open video link and click ‘Play’ arrow:
https://www.youtube.com/embed/u4D0yx4DvBk?rel=0
Harris Wilding
Sound up, open video link and click ‘Play’ arrow:
https://www.youtube.com/embed/u4D0yx4DvBk?rel=0
BLUE ANGELS - Cooler than Cool!!!!
HOLD ON TO YOUR HAT!
Footage courtesy of the U.S. Navy & the Blue Angels
Ever wonder what "Pure Awesome" looks like? Wonder No More.
This may be one of the best...
Video runs 3:44. For Sure Go Full Screen….
The
pilot is not smiling when he is pulling G's. He is gritting his teeth
and is holding his breath and tensing his upper body in order to insure
the blood does not rush from the head to the toes and cause a G loss of
consciousness (GLOC). So, in effect this is a breathing maneuver he is
doing to prevent GLOC - notice how he'll momentarily relax, take a
breath and go right back into that maneuver. Staying in formation while
upside down (others right side up) is very, very difficult. Also,
notice on the rejoins the closure speed he uses to minimize the amount
of time it takes to rejoin - of course they do this every day but it is
still an art....enjoy. Dr. Art.
HOLD ON TO YOUR HAT!
Footage courtesy of the U.S. Navy & the Blue Angels
Ever wonder what "Pure Awesome" looks like? Wonder No More.
This may be one of the best...
Video runs 3:44. For Sure Go Full Screen….
This
footage is of the "slot man" in the Diamond formation...toughest flying
due to wingtip vortices, etc...when he "smiles", he is pulling some
serious positive/ negative "g" forces...
And they don't have/use the G suits like most F-18 pilots. These guys must be pulling 8 or better G's.
WOW! What a ride! Notice the rest of the formation in the pilot's reflective goggles!
And they don't have/use the G suits like most F-18 pilots. These guys must be pulling 8 or better G's.
WOW! What a ride! Notice the rest of the formation in the pilot's reflective goggles!
Watch "Boeing B-29 Superfortress 'Fifi' - Approach / Landing at Oshkosh, WI - Cockpit View" on YouTube
Tough to see outside the cockpit... too much contrast, but a very active ride, especially audially!
https://www.youtube.com/shared?ci=Fe5O1Xy778QClick here to see a QUAD MOUNT VIDEO.
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