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Thursday Thunder – Rhinos Old and New

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Among the many nicknames that the mighty F-4 Phantom II picked up over it’s career was “Rhino”. I’m not sure how that nickname came to be, you’d have to ask a pilot who was there. But the old Rhino sure looked good in JASDF colors.

The Rhino had a short, tragic, but memorable career as a mount for both the Blue Angels and the Thunderbirds. It marked the only time that both teams used the same general aircraft. The Blues moved on to the A-4 Skyhawk, and then the F/A-18A Hornet, while the Thunderbirds moved to the T-38 and then the mighty F-16.

More recently, the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet has picked up the Rhino moniker. An evolutionary outgrowth of the F/A-18, the Super Hornet is 20% larger, with a larger payload and longer range.

But what does the new Rhino have to do with the old Rhino? It’s the Blue Angels new mount! After a couple of decades with the “Classic” Hornets, the Blues have officially moved to the Super. 2021 is supposed to be their new debut year. Fingers crossed that airshows happen this year. Hopefully I’ll get to see them in person soon.