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Blue Angels versus Red Arrows

Blue Angel: F/A-18 Hornet
“Efficient and reliable communications
are important for the Blue Angels,” says
Kyetta Penn, aviation electronics
technician for the Blue Angels. “It is vital
that they are able to talk to each other
during a display and also to the ground
staff so we know what’s happenings.”
GPS is also absolutely vital so that their
location can be pinpointed, while radar
enables the pilots to see exactly what is
going on around them. “They can make
sure they are clear to carry out their
display and that there are no other
aircraft in their airspace,” Penn adds.
Find out about the Blue Angel
F/A-18’s most important features
Although every effort is made to ensure with the diamond to execute the ‘the line
the pilot’s safety, things can go wrong. of our swoop’ manoeuvre which is when
Recently, part of Mark Tedrow’s F/A-18 part of my wing became detached,” he
became detached mid-flight, calling into recalls. “This is why we take seven planes
question the lifespan of these ageing to each show; I was able to land my F/A-18,
fighter jets. He explains exactly what jump into the spare and complete the
happened: “I was in a high-g rendezvous performance.” The show must go on!
Aerobatic displays

LOWEST MANOEUVRE
Outstanding Carbon fibre wings
15.24m (50ft) manoeuvrability The F/A-18 Hornet was the
The leading-edge first aircraft to be fitted Dual engine power
extensions (LEX) enable with carbon fibre wings, The F/A-18s are equipped with two
COST the Hornet to be controlled enabling it to be lighter General Electric F404-GE-400
at high angles of attack, and stronger. engines, which each provide
£13.66mn which is very important for 71.2kN (16,000lbf) of thrust and
($21mn) all display aircraft. enable the Hornet to climb at
152.4m (500ft) per second.
MILITARY AIRCRAFT

Modified control stick

Each jet has a spring added to its
control stick which makes inverted
flying and staying in formation
easier, and provides more control
and feel for the pilots.

Engine air inlets

The Hornet employs
bleed air vents on its
Fly-by-wire controls engine air intake ducts
This was the first jet fighter to employ that lower the levels of
digital fly-by-wire controls as a back air reaching the engine,
up, which converts flight control enabling it to achieve
movements to electronic signals. speeds nearing Mach 2.

Red Arrow: Hawk T1
The Hawk T1 has been used by the Red
Arrows since 1979 and Red 2 pilot Flt Lt
Mike Bowden tells us why: “The Hawk is
used by the military to train their pilots
and the Red Arrows. Hawk is ultimately
the same aircraft bar a few
modifications,” he says. “Although it is
somewhat dated, the Hawk is absolutely
perfect for what we do. It handles well,
especially well in formation, and doesn’t
have any fancy gadgetry that could go
wrong and cause unnecessary problems,
Why the Hawk is still the
best choice for displays
which is very important considering how
many shows we perform and the
precision flying we need to execute.”
The Hawk was designed to be easily
fi xed with the majority of its physical
parts interchangeable for convenience –
ideal for the Red Arrows who often
perform on consecutive days.
Maintenance is performed under very
strict controls and all procedures are
thoroughly supervised and checked to
ensure the jets are safe to fly.

Powerful engine Modified tailplane

LOWEST
Each Red Arrow is No control cables are used to
Impressive altitude MANOEUVRE
Although they don’t perform at
fitted with a Rolls connect the control column to the
these heights, the maximum 30.5m (100ft)
Royce Adour engine, tailplane; push-pull rods and
altitude they are capable of flying
which produces 23.1kN mechanical links are preferred.
at is 14,630m (48,000ft).
(5,200lbf) of thrust. COST
Small engine Range
modifications enable A full tank of fuel provides
£18mn
improved throttle response. these aircraft with a range
of 1,852km (1,151mi),
($29mn)
Ejector seat
enabling it to access most When the Martin-Baker
of the world with ease. TOP SPEED
Mk10 ejection seat is
activated, the cockpit 1,470km/h
roof is automatically
fractured, allowing a (913mph)
clear path for ejection.
WEIGHT
3,647kg
(8,040lbs)
CLOSEST THEY FLY

Smoke production
1.8m (6ft)
The pods that produce the
Red Arrows’ famous smoke WINGSPAN
are located where the 30mm
ADEN cannon is fitted on the
9.4m
Hawks’ military equivalent. (30.8ft)
DID YOU KNOW? The front five Red Arrows are known as “Enid,” after Enid Blyton’s Famous Five

Cockpit instrumentation
The instrumentation within the
plane’s cockpit is logically grouped
together, in easy view of the pilot.