Military aviation enthusiasts capture an F/A-18 Hornet (or Super Hornet) taxiing at an airshow, renowned for its naval aviation prowess.

Spotted at Death Valley National Park

Tail hook test landing

2026 Jones Beach Airshow - Blue Angels

Blue Angels are in town. Can’t wait for the show!

Just landed

Parked

Just landed

F18 takeoff from NTU

Parked HBO

A Boeing F/A-18 Hornet/Super Hornet streaks past an airshow crowd with afterburners blazing in a dramatic low pass.

A silhouette of a McDonnell Douglas/Boeing F/A-18 Hornet or Super Hornet in flight, showcasing its twin-fin and leading-edge extension design.

US Navy Blue Angels F/A-18E at NAF El Centro during winter training 2025.

Duluth, MN airshow 2023

This aircraft is a museum display, likely at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center of the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum. The Blue Angels use a very distinctive adaptation of the F/A-18 for their aerobatic displays.

This Hornet is preserved indoors at a museum, likely the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center (Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum annex), among an impressive collection of historic military aircraft.

Military registration numbers are often not easily readable from a distance and may not be visible on this airframe. The twin tails, larger intakes, and size distinguish the Super Hornet from earlier variants.

F-18 returning to NAS Oceana

Visible profile, twin tails, and mid-wing position are signature traits. Image taken in clear daylight with winter mountains in the distance.

The Blue Angels' F/A-18s have special modifications, including a smoke oil system for airshow visibility and removal of combat equipment.