Hobby Master Archive

In 1974 the Blue Angels downsized from the massive F-4J to the smaller more aeorbatic Douglas A-4F. Also this was during the oil crisis and the Skyhawk was more economical to operate, it was subsonic and more maneuverable which allowed for tighter displays and kept the performance in front of the audience. The pilots loved the A-4 because it was so easy to fly, it was simple to maintain and it had a very low accident rate. In 1986 the A-4 gave way to the newer F/A-18 Hornet.