The F-18 came from the competition for a new attack fighter that the US Air Force held back in the 70s. From that competition, were born the F-16 and the F-18. Both platforms were too good to pass up, so the US Air Force took the F-16, while the US Navy and the US Marines, took the design that would eventually be christened as F-18.

Today’s F-18 is of the Super Hornet variety, which is bigger than the original F-18A, but it’s still a bad to the bone plane.

Blue Angels fly their F-18s in the diamond formation

Photo Courtesy: John Madden

Close up of a Blue Angels pilot taken by Airshowfan:

Blue Angel's F-18

F-18 Hornet braking the sound barrier. That mist around the plane is called a “sonic tutu.” This picture was also taken by Airshowfan:

F-18 Hornet breaking the sound barrier

Shiny Hornet with the after burners glowing taken by Airshowfan:

Hornet with the after burners glowing