The F/A-18 was adopted by the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels aerial demonstration team in 1986 and continues to fly today. It has now served with the team for 34 years. That makes it the longest-serving aircraft type to fly with the Navy’s aerial demonstration team.
This particular aircraft was built by McDonnell-Douglas Aircraft (acquired by Boeing in 1997), St. Louis, Missouri and delivered to the U.S. Navy.
Technical Specifications:
- Wingspan: 40 ft.
- Length: 56 ft.
- Height: 15 ft. 4 in.
- Weight: 36,970 pounds (loaded)
- Maximum Speed: Mach 1.8
- Service Ceiling: 50,000 ft.
- Range: 1,089 miles
- Engines: Two General Electric F404-GE-400 turbofans with 16,000 pounds of thrust
- Crew: 1
- Current markings: 2012 U.S. Navy Blue Angels
Currently on display at the Pima Air & Space Museum in Tucson, Arizona
danstiel.com 
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