Boeing to convert F/A-18 E/Fs into Blue Angels

Boeing was awarded $17 million to convert nine F/A-18E and two F/A-18F aircraft into Blue Angel demonstration aircraft. The Super Hornets are to replace the squadron’s McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornets, which have been in use since 1986. The retrofit work will be done in St. Louis, Missouri and is expected to be finished in December 2021, according to the notice posted online 13 August. The Super Hornet is 25% larger, has 40% greater range and can carry more weapons than its predecessor. The notice did not say how the aircraft would be modified, but previously the conversion of the F/A-18 into a Blue Angel aircraft meant having the nose cannon removed, a smoke-oil tank installed and a spring installed on the control stick, which applies pressure for better formation and inverted flying, according to the demonstration squadron’s website.