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.
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.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has announced it will hold a public hearing into the engine failure of a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737, which resulted in the death of a passenger. As part of its investigation, the NTSB will hear testimonies and statements from various industry experts to aid in determining the causal factors of the fatal accident that occurred in April this year. In addition, the aircraft engine maintenance history, design and certification will be examined.

The European Commission has adopted new regulations to ensure pilots mental fitness and stability. Following Germanwings flight 9525 in early 2015, which was deemed to be pilot suicide by the investigating bodies, the EU has implemented the recommendations of the European Air Safety Agency (EASA) into its regulatory framework. As a result, pilots will need to undergo a psychological assessment prior to starting employment with European airlines, additional they will gain access to mental support programmes and be exposed to additional random drug and alcohol testing. Flight crews, including cabin crew members will also be screened for a range of banned substances including sedatives, psychostimulants and hallucinogens.