OK...stupid question probably...

[CE402]

....but why don't formation aerobatic teams (Blue Angels, Thunderbirds, etc) have issues with wake turbulence (each others that is)?

 

[migio]

Takeoff Eh! You Hoser!

 

[migio]

....but why don't formation aerobatic teams (Blue Angels, Thunderbirds, etc) have issues with wake turbulence (each others that is)?

Good question eh? I couldnt tell ya either.Sorry you fleshyheaded mutant!

 

[CE402]

Radiation has made me an enemy of civilization eh!

 

[JAFI]

....but why don't formation aerobatic teams (Blue Angels, Thunderbirds, etc) have issues with wake turbulence (each others that is)?

They all weigh the same?

 

[SkyBoy1981]

They all weigh the same?

LOL. Surely you're joking.

 

[OpenClimb]

I've flown a little formation in sport airplanes and can tell you that wake turbulence can be a very real problem. Somebody far more experienced than me can jump in here and correct me, but the training I've received suggests various staggared formations to minimize flying in somebody's wake. This being said, I've blundered into the turbulent air more than once... It can be quite a ride, but I was always in an aerobatic airplane (with great control authority) so it's not like I was thrown upside down or anything.

It's kind of a neat learning experience, actually. You can feel the other guy's wake before you're really getting thrown around. It's kind of like fishing when you can sense a strike, but the fish hasn't completely swallowed the bait.

As for the "same weight" hypothesis... Not really true. Some of the worst wake turbulence I've experienced was from a Bae-146 when I was flying an Airbus 3 miles in trail on an approach. I don't know what a 146 weighs, but I'm pretty sure it's significantly less than an Airbus.

Great question. I'd love to hear a real live fighter pilot put his 2 cents in.

 

[mudkow60]

In the case of the Blue's, the tight flightsuits are more aerodynamic, and produce less drag...

Not sure for the other folks.

 

[time builder]

Wake turbulence is greatest at high lift and low speed. I'd imagine the blue angels' speed reduces the wake impact.

 

[C425Driver]

Each aircraft flies below the aircraft in front of it, staying below the wake.