Fat Albert has demonstrated its last jet-assisted takeoff (JATO) capability.
No longer made,
e ight solid-fuel rocket bottles, four on each side, attached near the rear
paratrooper doors thrust
the Hercules skyward. Fired simultaneously, the JATO bottles allowed the mammoth
transport aircraft
to takeoff within 1,500
feet, climb at a 45-degree angle, and propel it to an altitude of 1,000 feet
in approximately 15 seconds. Getting Fat Albert airborne in minimal time
and distance
simulates conditions in hostile environments or on short, unprepared
runways.
NASP Pensacola has been home to the Blue Angels since 1954.
The Blue Angel
F/A-18s have the nose cannon removed, a smoke-oil tank installed and a
spring installed on the stick which applies pressure for better formation
and inverted flying.
Otherwise, the aircraft that the squadron flies are
the same as those in the fleet. Each Blue Angel
aircraft
is fleet capable
of being returned to combat duty aboard an aircraft carrier within 72 hours.
Blue Angels Link : http://www.blueangels.navy.mil/