Welcome
Who Are We?

The Virtual Blue Angels are a group of enthusiastic hobbyists who use PC flight simulation software to replicate the precision aerobatics of the United States Navy's flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels. We aim to emulate the dedication and professionalism of the real Blue Angels through our videos, screenshots, and live shows. We fly commercially available flight simulators over the internet to precisely recreate the flight demonstration of the Blue Angels in real time, with members participating from all across the United States from coast to coast.

The Team
Learn more about our members
ABOUT US
Since 2004
Who Are We?

The Virtual Blue Angels are a group of enthusiastic flight simulation pilots who strive to be the best of the best among the flight sim community. We aim to emulate the dedication and professionalism of the real Blue Angels through our videos, screenshots, and live shows. We fly commercially available flight simulators over the internet to precisely recreate the flight demonstration of the Blue Angels in real time. Our members live all across the United States from coast to coast.

History

The Virtual Blue Angels were formed in January 2004 as one of the first flight simulation aerobatic teams in the world. We have a long history of innovation in the flight simulation community, pushing the edge of the envelope in every way possible. The performance we fly today is the result of 20+ years of hard work, a tradition we will carry well into the future.

How Does It Work?

The Virtual Blue Angels fly together in real-time over the internet using a free flight simulation platform called "DCS World." The simulator aircraft we fly are modifications produced in-house by our own members. All of our pilots join together online to practice and perform our aerial demonstration in real-time-- nothing we do is rendered or manipulated. We strive to perform our virtual show with the same precision showcased by the real Blue Angels: from maneuvers to radio calls, we recreate the the Blue Angels show in minute detail to present a near-identical virtual copy of what you might see at an airshow. To achieve our goal, we practice often and study our mistakes, always improving with occasional help from current and former Blue Angels pilots.

The Aircraft
The Blue Angels fly the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet, a multi-mission strike fighter...
The Real F/A-18

The Boeing F/A-18E and F/A-18F Super Hornet are twin-engine, carrier-capable, multirole fighter aircraft variants based on the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet. The F/A-18E single-seat and F/A-18F tandem-seat variants are larger and more advanced derivatives of the F/A-18C and D Hornet.

Designed and initially produced by McDonnell Douglas, the Super Hornet first flew in 1995. Low-rate production began in early 1997 with full-rate production starting in September 1997, after the merger of McDonnell Douglas and Boeing the previous month. The Super Hornet entered fleet service with the United States Navy in 1999

Since the first Super Hornet entered service in 1999, Boeing has built over 600 units. In November 2020, for the 75th anniversary of the Navy's Blue Angels, the demonstration squadron replaced its F/A-18C Legacy Hornets with F/A-18 Super Hornets.

The Super Hornet is largely a new aircraft at about 20% larger, 7,000 lb (3,200 kg) heavier empty weight, and 15,000 lb (6,800 kg) heavier maximum weight than the original Hornet. The Super Hornet carries 33% more internal fuel, increasing mission range by 41% and endurance by 50% over the "Legacy" Hornet.

The Blue Angels' F/A-18s are modified with an air show smoke system in place of the 20mm gatling gun, an inverted fuel pump system for sustained inverted flight, and Blue Angels specfic FCS software.

The Virtual Blue Angels F/A-18

The Virtual Blue Angels F/A-18 E/F is a completely custom aircraft created for DCS World by the Virtual Blue Angels, Developed using NASA and public data, the External Flight Model allows us complete freedom from past restrictions and provides us with a highly accurate representation of the real Hornet. A clickable cockpit with dynamic HUD and displays gives us all of the functionality required for to perform the Blue Angels demonstration. Due to legal restrictions and privacy concerns, it cannot be publicly released.

Features:
  • Detailed external and internal 3D models
  • High-fidelity External Flight Model (EFM) with real-time Flight Control System (FCS)
  • Clickable cockpit with a variety of modeled subsystems
  • Dynamic Heads-Up Display and Digital Display Interfaces
  • Digital Up-Front Control Display (UFCD) and Engine/Fuel Display (EFD)
  • Blue Angels specfic aircraft and software modfications
Super Hornet Statistics:
  • Development began - late 2020
  • First Super Hornet flight demonstration - Janurary, 2021
  • First public Super Hornet flight demonstration - April 10th, 2021
  • Complete re-work of jet systems the from the ground-up
Multimedia
Live stream, videos, screenshots, and more
Contact Us
How to contact us with questions and comments
Teamspeak 3
Virtual Blue Angels Teamspeak
On practice nights, we may be available to speak with you directly using Teamspeak 3, a free Voice-Over-IP client.
Connect to VBA Teamspeak
Discord
Virtual Blue Angels Discord
We have joined Discord! Stop by if you would like to ask questions, listen in on a practice, or just talk to the team!
Connect to VBA Discord
Personnel
Flight Leader
Please contact Tim on discord or via email for all scheduling and media-related inquiries.
Name discordUsername
Applicants Officer
Website Maintenance / Development
Please contact Lance on Discord or via email with questions, comments, or suggestions regarding this website or our content development for DCS World.
Name discordUsername
Recruiting
Become a Virtual Blue Angel

The Virtual Blue Angels are constantly searching for new members to fill a variety of positions on the team. If you are looking for a challenge and would like to become a Virtual Blue Angel, use the link below to begin the application process. Our application webpage contains instructions to help guide you through your experience. All applicants will fill out a written application and fly with the team to test their flying ability, attention to detail, and willingness to learn. If selected, applicants will undergo a candidate phase with the team to ensure a good fit with other members. During this period the applicant will attend team practices and get a feel for the motivated atmosphere and high level of commitment that drive our team. We look for strong flying skills; but above all, we desire a positive attitude, strong commitment, and a willingness to learn. Be prepared to work hard and have fun!

Questions regarding the application process should be directed via Discord or email to our Applicants Officer. Good luck!

   2025 Application's are open!