F/A-18 at Thunder Over the Blue Ridge

An F/A-18 performing at the Thunder over the Blue Ridge airshow at Martinsburg, West Virginia on Sunday, September 5, 2010.

The United States Navy Hornet team from VFA-106, also known as the "Gladiators" demonstrate the flying characteristics of the F/A 18, a twin engine aircraft with 44,000 pounds of thrust that reaches speeds of Mach 1.6+. From Naval Air Station Oceana loacated in Virginia Beach, the Gladiators mission is to train Navy and Marine Corps F/A 18 replacement flight crews to support fleet commitments. The Hornet is the nations first true strike-fighter capable aircraft. It was designed for traditional strike aircraft missions without compromising its fighter capabilities. In fighter mode, the F/A-18 is used primarily as a fighter escort and for fleet defense; in its attack mode, it is used for force projection, interdiction, and close air support.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• Thunder
• over
• the
• Blue
• Ridge
• F/A-18
• Fighter
• Hornet
• Gladiators
• Oceana

[WVBoy25401]

You may not have had the best seat in the house, but it is SO COOL to see the Hornet over Rt. 11! Thank you for sharing this!

[BeechSundowner]

SWEET sounds of freedom!!!