what plane is the blue angels
The Blue Angels currently fly the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet as their main demonstration jet, along with a Lockheed Martin C-130J “Super Hercules” support aircraft known as Fat Albert.
Quick Scoop: What plane is the Blue Angels?
- The primary aircraft is the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet, in the blue-and-gold U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron livery.
- Demonstration jets 1–6 are typically F/A-18E single-seat Super Hornets.
- Jet 7 is an F/A-18F two-seat Super Hornet used for transport, VIP/demo rides, and as a spare aircraft.
- Their iconic transport/support plane “Fat Albert” is a Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules, used for cargo, personnel, and sometimes its own mini-display.
In short, if you’re watching a modern Blue Angels show (2021 and later), the fast jets are F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, and the big support plane is a C-130J Super Hercules.
| Role | Aircraft | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Main demo jet | Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornet | Single-seat; aircraft 1–6 in the formation demos. | [3][1]
| VIP / spare jet | Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet | Two-seat; usually Blue Angel 7, used for transport, media and “Key Influencer” rides, and backup. | [10][1][3]
| Support / transport | Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules (“Fat Albert”) | Cargo and crew transport; sometimes performs its own short display. | [1][3]