Military Power

For those that don't know the Navy's Blue Angels Call Pensacola NAS home. When they are not performing in an air show they practicde every Tuesday and Wednesday morning. The public is always invited to watch. A couple weeks ago whiled down there I got a chance to watch them practice. Of course I had my camera ready... This is what I ended up with after I edited my stills and videos. I have quite a few more pics to share if anyone is interested.

Whilst outwardly the aircraft used by of the Blue Angels mat appear to be standard F/A-18As they are in fact heavily converted for the role of aerobatic aircraft. The conversions require more than 3,500 hours of work and include the removal of guns and missile launchers, installing new wiring throughout, re-routing oil lines, installing inverted flight auxiliary fuel pumps and an oil tank to enable the emission of the trademark blue smoke from the tail of the aircraft.

From the Blue Angels website, FAQ section.

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 of being returned to combat duty aboard an aircraft carrier within 72 hours.

Yeah, but I still think I got some great shots.

you are quite correct. Excellent pics and videos. Was it just me or did they seem to be having some trouble with their smoke?

KnightTemplar wrote:..... Was it just me or did they seem to be having some trouble with their smoke?

It did seem that there was some problems with the smoke that day... Good thing it was a practice. Gives them a chance to take corrective action before their next performance.