57. That’s how many days there are until the 47th annual SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo (4175 Medulla Rd.). It’s also 57 days until the Blue Angels make their first appearance with a brand new jet— the F/A-18E Super Hornet, a multi-role fighter jet.
The Flight Demonstration Squadron will debut the “Super Hornet” on April 13-18, the first time since 1986 that a new aircraft will be debuted, when they transitioned from the A-4F Skyhawk II to the F/A-18 Hornet.
They don’t call it “super” for nothin’...
🛩️ 20%. That’s how much larger the Super Hornet aircraft is in comparison to the original airframe.
🛩️ 7,000 lbs. That’s how much heavier the new aircraft is in terms of empty weight.
🛩️ 15,000 lbs. This is the “heavier weight maximum” that the aircraft can sustain compared to the O.G.
🛩️ 33%. This is how much more internal fuel the Super Hornet can carry.
🛩️ 50%. That’s how much more endurance this debut jet can sustain, along with an increase in mission range by 41%.
This year’s event will stand as a fundraiser, after the cancellation of 2020’s event, to help support the Aerospace Center for Excellence — a 22-acre complex located on SUN ‘n FUN’s campus to encourage STEM education.
Quoted: “We are humbled by the support and hospitality the Lakeland community provides us and we are excited to showcase the capabilities of Naval Aviation.” — Commander Brian Kesselring, Blue Angels’ flight leader
Want to catch the Blue Angels in action? The squadron is set to perform their debut on Saturday, April 17 + Sun., April 18. Tickets are available now for the weekend starting at $45 per adult for a two-day, Florida-resident ticket.
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