Simviation Forums

Here's an odd one for you.  Why do the Thunderbirds wear oxygen masks when they fly, and the Blue Angels don't?

Ive never noticed, and frankly, I have no idea!

See, goofy isn't it!

Maybe it's because the Thunderbirds are some wussies, and the Blue Angels are cool?

Sounds like common sense on the Thunderbirds part.

I think the Blue Angels would also where them - maybe it was a publicity photo - it would be dangerous not to...

- maybe it was a publicity photo -

All of the in-cockpit footage from airshows and stuff I've seen they didn't wear them either, so I don't think that's the case.

Seems very odd though.

All of the in-cockpit footage from airshows and stuff I've seen they didn't wear them either, so I don't think that's the case.

Seems very odd though.

It would seem odd as how would they communicate with each other? To be fair really only the leader would need to talk, but I'd be surprised if they had there's masks of whilst manouvreing - otherwise it'd be flapping all over the place...

They could communicate with throat mikes which I believe are very clear. I would have thought it much safer to wear the oxygen masks. Surprised if they don't.

PS. http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=19564

Blue Angel pilots fly without oxygen masks AND without pressure suits. Pressure suits inflate and deflate to help an aviator keep blood in his upper extremities instead of their big toe. However these guys are flying over 600 miles an hour with only 18-quivering inches separating them wing tip to wing tip. They fly with their steering hand on their right thigh. A pressure suit would move that rock solid precise hand and rob them of the necessary (and lifesaving) control, which permits them to perform aeronautical miracles. So these guys learn to manage G-force with only muscle control.

The oxygen masks I can see them doing without, but no g-suits? Wow.
I guess the Navy and Marines are just tougher, that's all. Right, Theis?


'Course, the T-birds probably don't wear g-suits for airshows either, but...

To breathe?

The oxygen masks I can see them doing without, but no g-suits? Wow.

Mmm, I'd see it as the other way round. In a mainly formation display it would be quite easy to limit the "G" by design to somewhere around an "easy" (for a military pilot) 5-6G, with maybe short moments where higher Gs are required, which is relatively simple to maintain without a G-suit. Technically they wouldn't need oxy masks either, as long as they had another mic somewhere. Masks just seem more logical though...

Interestingly on the G-suit point, the RAF's Red Arrows pilots do where a G-suit. However, when they carry passengers in practices etc in the back seat, the passenger has to go without a G-suit, to ensure the controls are not fouled by the rear seat occupant. Being a pax in one of the "Synchro Pair" is apparently quite an experience!

Maybe it's because the Thunderbirds are some wussies, and the Blue Angels are cool?

Charlie said:

Sounds like common sense on the Thunderbirds part.

Charlie said:

Oh come on.  That was a negative reaction to an obviously sarcastic post.

[quote]
Oh come on.

Yeah i know.

Sorry should have made that seem more sarcastic.

Sorry didn't mean anything by it.

Alright.  So long as you understand it looked like you were honestly mad.  My bad.