Introduction
r rThe cost to fuel the Blue Angels for an air show can vary significantly based on several factors, including the type of aircraft being flown, current fuel prices, and the number of performances. The Blue Angels primarily fly the F/A-18 Hornet, a versatile multirole fighter aircraft. Understanding the fuel needs and costs associated with these breathtaking aerial demonstrations is crucial for event planners and aviation enthusiasts alike.
r rFactors Affecting the Fuel Cost
r rThe primary variable affecting fuel costs is the aircraft's fuel consumption rate and the duration of each performance. The F/A-18 Hornet, with its powerful engines, consumes fuel at a remarkable rate, about 5,000 pounds per hour during flight. This consumption rate can be calculated based on the aircraft's fuel efficiency and the duration of the show. For instance, if a show lasts for about 30 minutes, the Blue Angels might use around 2,500 pounds of fuel.
r rCalculation of Fuel Consumption and Cost
r rNow, let's break down the fuel cost:
r rFuel Consumption per Performance
r rIf a performance requires about 30 minutes of flight time, the Blue Angels might use around 2,500 pounds of fuel. This estimate is based on the average fuel consumption of the F/A-18 Hornet during flight. The conversion from pounds to gallons is necessary for accurate pricing. Given that there are approximately 6.7 pounds in a gallon of jet fuel, here's the calculation:
r r r Fuel consumption per performance: If a show requires about 30 minutes of flight time, the Blue Angels might use around 2,500 pounds of fuel.r Cost estimation:r r r r At $3 per gallon:r r2,500 pounds ~373 gallons → 373 gallons x $3 $1,119
r r At $6 per gallon:r r2,500 pounds ~373 gallons → 373 gallons x $6 $2,238
r r r rTherefore, the fuel cost for a single Blue Angels performance could range from approximately $1,119 to $2,238, excluding other associated costs like maintenance and support. This is a rough estimate, and actual costs may vary.
r rAdditional Considerations and Costs
r rThe cost to fuel a single Blue Angels aircraft for a full tank is about $10,000. Considering they have 11 planes, the total fuel cost for all aircraft could be around $110,000. Even though the air shows only last for an hour, the planes are typically filled to capacity before the show.
r rAccording to estimates, a commercial retail cost for jet fuel is around $5-6 per gallon. The US military typically pays much less for fuel than retail prices, so it could be as low as $1,000-2,000.
r rFrom the Blue Angels Website:
r rr
r
Demonstration Aircraft: Blue Angels 1 through 6
r
Weekend show (Thur-Sun) ................. 40,000 Gallonsr
Blue Angels C-130r
7 Key Influencer and Media Flights ................. 4,000 Gallonsr
r
ALL sponsors must provide suitable aircraft fuel at standard military prices. Fuel obtained under DoD contract from civilian sources is an acceptable alternative to fuel obtained from military sources.
r rBlue Angel Fuel Consumption Rates
r rBlue Angel fighter jets burn about 8,000 pounds of jet fuel per hour of flight. Given that one gallon of jet fuel weighs approximately 6.7 pounds, this amounts to 1,200 gallons of fuel per hour for a single F/A-18 Hornet. With six demonstration jets, the total consumption is 7,200 gallons per hour. Assuming a $6 per gallon cost of jet fuel, the hourly fuel cost would be approximately $43,200.
r rIn summary, the cost to fuel the Blue Angels for an air show is multifaceted, with estimates ranging from $1,119 to $2,238 per performance, excluding other associated costs.
r