The Blue Angels are one of the most iconic jet demonstration teams in the world. Watching them perform their aerial acrobatics leaves many in awe of just how close together these F/A-18 Hornet jets can fly while traveling at speeds of up to 700 mph.
The Blue Angels pilots make precision group formations look easy, but it requires an incredible amount of skill and training. So just how close do these jets get to each other when flying in their famous tight diamond formation?
Minimum Separation Distances
The Blue Angels do not have a set requirement for how close pilots must fly in formation. Instead, they determine minimum separation distances between jets based on the weather conditions and visibility on a given flight day.
In clear weather, it’s not uncommon for the Blue Angels to have just 18 inches of separation between wingtips while flying in their diamond formation. This incredibly close distance highlights the high level of precision and control the pilots have over their aircraft.
When weather conditions are more challenging, the minimum separation between jets will be increased to allow for greater margins of safety. The distances between wingtips may be several feet or more apart rather than just inches.
Diamond Formation Distances
The diamond formation is one of the most recognizable Blue Angels routines. In this formation, four jets fly very close together in a diamond shape.
Here are the typical minimum separation distances between each jet’s wingtip when in the diamond formation on a clear weather day with maximum precision:
| Jets | Separation Distance |
|---|---|
| Lead jet and Left Wing jet | 18 inches |
| Lead jet and Right Wing jet | 18 inches |
| Left and Right Wing jets | 36 inches |
As you can see, the wingmen jets fly incredibly close to the lead jet, with just 18 inches of clearance between wingtips. Meanwhile, there is a wider separation of 3 feet between the two wingmen on the sides.
Delta Formation Distances
Another popular formation is the Delta formation, featuring five jets. One jet leads at the front, two jets trail behind in the middle, and two more jets bring up the rear.
Here are the typical minimum distances for the Delta formation:
| Jets | Separation Distance |
|---|---|
| Lead jet and Middle jets | 3 feet |
| Middle jets and Rear jets | 12 feet |
| Rear jets | 3 feet between wingtips |
In this formation, the biggest margins are between the middle and rear jets. The rear jets fly in the most challenging position, so they need ample spacing from the jets in front of them.
Factors That Determine Formation Distances
What determines how close Blue Angels jets can fly in formation? There are several key factors that dictate the minimum separation distances:
Weather Conditions
The weather conditions on a flight day are the most significant factor determining how close the jets can safely fly. Clear skies allow for the smallest distances between wingtips. But inclement weather like rain, clouds, fog and wind necessitates farther spacing between the jets.
Pilot Skill Level
The skill level of the individual pilots also determines the precision of the formation flying. The Blue Angels pilots are hugely experienced, averaging over 1,750 flight hours before even being considered for the team. But newer demonstration team pilots may need more spacing to perform safely.
Altitude
Flying at lower altitudes enables closer formation distances. When the jets are right above the ground, there are fewer factors and disturbances affecting the flight. At higher altitudes, elements like wind can disrupt the smoothness of the formation.
Speed
Faster speeds also limit how close the jets can fly in formation. The Blue Angels reach speeds up to 700 mph during shows. Flying at high subsonic speeds means there is less reaction time available than at slower speeds.
G Forces
The G forces experienced while maneuvering also influence formation tightness. Slower, more gradual maneuvers enable closer formations. But during high-G turns or other aggressive maneuvers, the pilots need larger cushions around their aircraft.
Wake Turbulence
The wingtip vortices and wake turbulence generated by the jets also factor into the equation. Flying too closely through another jet’s wake can lead to destabilization and loss of control. More distance is required to avoid these dangers.
Rules of Formation Flying
In addition to minimum separation distances, the Blue Angels adhere to meticulous rules and techniques for formation flying:
- The lead jet dictates the formation and positioning. The other pilots must precisely match the lead’s maneuvers.
- Standardized hand signals are used for coordinating between aircraft.
- The wingmen jets are not allowed to overtake or lead from the sides – they must stay in their support positions.
- If a jet drops out of position, the team will break formation until they can safely rejoin.
- The trail or rear jets must maintain extra vigilance to avoid surprising the jets ahead.
Strictly following these rules enables the Blue Angels to fly mere feet apart without risk of collision.
Precision Flying Takes Intense Training
Blue Angels pilots make ultra-precise formation flying look easy and graceful during airshows. But in reality it requires intensive training maintain such close control of their jets.
Some of the training techniques that enable their precision include:
- Hundreds of practice flights annually
- Rehearsing individual maneuvers thousands of times
- Practicing in every weather condition possible
- Using two-seat jets to give new pilots experience before soloing
- Polishing hand signals and choreographed coordination
- Memorizing the unique quirks of each jet
- Building trust and familiarity between pilots
Each pilot trains for around three years before flying in front of an audience at an official airshow demonstration. This extreme preparation gives them the skills to safely push the boundaries of formation flying.
Precision Technology Also Plays a Role
In addition to pilot technique and training, the Blue Angels also utilize precision technology to enhance the tightness of their formation flying.
Some of the tech-related elements enabling their extreme precision include:
- Smoke-oil ejection system to visualize exact jet positions
- Onboard video cameras to review formation position and spacing
- GPS navigation and tracking between aircraft
- Digitally-coordinated engine power settings
- Head-up displays (HUDs) to focus on formation position
- Precisely set altimeters and flight instruments
The Blue Angels combine piloting artistry with technological advantages to accomplish aviation feats no other team can match.
Conclusion
The Blue Angels manage to fly incredibly close in their trademark formations despite speeds nearing 700 mph. While separation distances vary based on conditions, it’s not uncommon for wingtips to be just 18 inches apart in their diamond formation.
A combination of exceptional pilot training, strict flying rules, and precision technology allows the Blue Angels to fly in such tight proximity. Their stunning aerial displays demonstrate incredible skill and control at the edge of aeronautical performance limits.