The Blue Angels fleet will be upgraded to the F/A 18 “Super Hornet” within the next two years, according to a Department of Defense contract. The Boeing Company’s St. Louis facility has been awarded $17 million for retrofit kits to turn nine F/A-18E and two F/A-18F fighter jets into the newest Blue Angel demonstrator aircraft. The work will take place in St. Louis and is expected to be completed in December of 2021. This upgrade will be the ninth change in aircraft type for the demonstrators since 1946.
Blue Angels to Receive “Super Hornet” Upgrade
Key Takeaways:
- The Blue Angels fleet will upgrade to the F/A-18 "Super Hornet" within two years, with Boeing awarded $17 million to retrofit 11 jets (9 F/A-18E, 2 F/A-18F) by December 2021.
- This upgrade marks the ninth aircraft type change for the demonstration team since 1946, introducing a larger jet with greater range and weapon capacity.
- Modifications for Blue Angels aircraft include removing the nose cannon, installing a smoke-oil tank, and adding a control stick spring for improved precision.
- These modified aircraft can be reverted to combat duty aboard an aircraft carrier within 72 hours, and the two-seat models are used for media and Key Influencers to promote the Navy and Marine Corps.
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