Mission
“The mission of the Blue Angels is to showcase the teamwork and professionalism of the United States Navy and Marine Corps through flight demonstrations and community outreach while inspiring a culture of excellence and service to country.”
Based at NAS Pensacola. Demo jets #1–#6 are single-seat F/A-18E Super Hornets (two-seat F/A-18Fs are used as #4 spare / #7 narrator). Diamond is four; solos are #5 and #6; Delta is all six. Wingtip spacing is about 18 inches — the animation opens that gap so you can still read each jet.
Maneuver Theater
Jets are now drawn as F/A-18E Super Hornets: caret intakes, oversized LEX, canted twin tails, twin F414 nozzles, and Blue Angels blue/gold. Keys: space play/pause, ← → maneuver, 1–3 cameras.
Diamond Dirty Loop
The Six
Sets pace and altitude. Calls “Ready, Break!”
Wingtip-to-wingtip on Lead’s right.
Mirrors #2 on the left.
Tucked under Lead’s exhaust; watches the canopy.
Sneak Pass, ~50′ AGL / 600 kts, opposing work.
Vertical rolls, Immelmann, high-alpha.
The Show by Type
HIGH SHOW
Ceiling 10,000′ / 3 NM vis. Dirty Loop, Double Farvel, Line Abreast Loop, Diamond Vertical Break, Fleur De Lis, Loop Break / 6-Plane Cross.
LOW SHOW
Ceiling 4,500′. Diamond Low-Break Cross, Tuck-Over Roll, Burner 270, Section High-Alpha, Delta Roll, Maneuvering Delta, Break Out.
FLAT SHOW
Ceiling 1,000′ (also C-130). Diamond / Echelon / Line Abreast flat passes, Sneak Pass, Opposing Four-Point Roll, Delta Aileron Roll.
“A show site is considered unacceptable if this size aerobatic box cannot be produced or maintained.” — Aerobatic Box Dimensions, §1-1
By the Numbers
| Show type | Ceiling min. | Visibility |
|---|---|---|
| High Show | 10,000′ | 3 NM |
| Low Show | 4,500′ | 3 NM |
| Flat Show / C-130 | 1,000′ | 3 NM |
A 5 NM TFR is required for every demonstration; 7 NM when density altitude exceeds 4,000 ft. Minimum aerobatic box is 1 NM × 1,200′ with a sterile surface.