Page "Blue Angels" Paragraph 65

On 8 November 1986 the Blue Angels completed their 40th anniversary year during ceremonies unveiling their present aircraft, the McDonnell Douglas F / A-18 Hornet, the first multi-role fighter / attack aircraft.

The power and aerodynamics of the Hornet allows them to perform a slow, high angle of attack " tail sitting " maneuver, and to fly a " dirty " ( landing gear down ) formation loop, the last of which is not duplicated by the Thunderbirds.