June 14-16, 2024

RickenBacker International Airport Columbus, Ohio

United States Marine Corps C-130 "Fat Albert"

The Blue Angels’ C-130 Hercules transport, Fat Albert, performs a Jet Assisted Take-off (JATO). Eight solid fuel rockets, four mounted on each side, provide an additional 8,000 pounds of thrust for take-off on short or damaged runways. U.S. Navy Photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class (AW/NAC) Ryan Courtade. (RELEASED)

Consisting of eight crew members and one C-130, Fat Albert Airlines is critical to the overall mission of the team. The C-130 joined the team in 1970 as the support aircraft. In addition to being the opening attraction for the Blue Angels demonstration, Fat Albert’s primary mission is to transport 35,000 pounds of cargo and roughly 60 Blue Angels team members to every show site throughout the country. Major Mark Montgomery will be at the controls of Fat Albert.

C-130 GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS

Engines: Four Rolls-Royce turbo-prop engines with more than 18,000 pounds of thrust each
Wingspan: 132 feet, 7 inches
Length: 99 feet, 5 inches
Height: 38 feet, 4 inches
Speed: 370 miles per hour at 35,000 feet
Range: 2,400 miles
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 155,000 pounds
Maximum Cargo Capability: 45,000 pounds
Crew: Eight: three pilots, two flight engineers, a navigator, a flight mechanic, and a loadmaster

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