The McDonnell Douglas Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornet is a twin-engine multi-role carrier-based aircraft. The “E” variant is single-seater while the “F” variant is a tandem-seat configuration. The “E” is a much larger, more advanced and more capable variant of the F/A-18C. The Super variant can carry a larger array of weapons as well as more of them and is capable of returning to the carrier while still carrying unspent munitions, a big savings in dollars. The first F/A-18E flight was in 1995 and began delivery to the USN in 1999.

In 2021 the Blue Angels flight demonstration team celebrated their 75th Anniversary. They were established in 1946 as a means to increase interest in naval aviation among the general public, as well as boost Navy morale. The first display was held on June 15, 1946 at Jacksonville, Florida. The Blue Angels are the second oldest flight demonstration team after the French Patrouille de France established in 1931. F/A-18F 165679 MSN 1516/F018 formerly with VFA-122 is the youngest “F” model assigned to the Blue Angels. This aircraft has also been seen wearing #4.

McDonnell Douglas original designer, merged with Boeing 1997

F/A-18E Super Hornet

Crew - F/A-18E x 1 / F/A-18F x 2

Role – Multi-role attack and fighter

Performance

• Powerplants – 2 x F414-GE-400 turbofans Thrust (Static) – 22,000 lbs (9,977kg) per engine
• Ceiling – 50,000 ft +
• Speed – Mach 1.8 +
• Weight – Maximum Gross Take-off 66,000 lbs (29,932 kg)

Dimensions

• Length – 60.3 ft (18.5 m)
• Height – 16 ft (4.87 m)
• Wingspan – 44.9 ft (13.68 m)

Armament

• 1 x M61A1/A2 Vulcan 20mm cannon (internal)
• Possible External Payload
• AIM 9 Sidewinder
• AIM 7 Sparrow
• AIM-120 AMRAAM Harpoon
• HARM Shrike SLAM SLAM-ER
• Walleye Maverick JSOW (Joint-Stand-Off Weapon)
• JDAM (Joint Direct Attack Munitions)
• An assortment of bombs, mines and rockets

Info: F/A-18F "Blue Angels" #7, US Navy, 2021 Season "75th Anniversary"