91探花professor of aeronautics and astronautics took a ride Wednesday morning aboard a U.S. Navy Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet 鈥� better known as one of the Blue Angels flight demonstration squadron.聽
Shortly before 9 a.m., the Blue Angel jet with Hermanson aboard roared above the UW. Back safely on the ground, Hermanson said he enjoyed talking with the pilot and encountering firsthand what it’s like to to fly aboard high-performance jet aircraft. He experienced an afterburner takeoff, very tight turns and flying up-side down.
鈥淭he actual maneuverings are really something,鈥� Hermanson said. 鈥淲e got up to 7.5 Gs during one of those turns.鈥�
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Hermanson is known for his decades of research on topics related to jet and spacecraft propulsion, but this was his first time flying at about 700 mph in a Navy jet. During his time at UW, Hermanson鈥檚 been a big supporter of the Navy at the UW: He has hosted high-ranking Navy officials and helped showcase many Navy career opportunities for students.聽
During Wednesday鈥檚 flight, Hermanson told the pilot that he teaches students about acceleration, wing loading and other principles, but his time flying with the Blue Angels will add a deeper dimension.
鈥淚 could tell students what it is actually like, the high level of technology, the teamwork needed to make the flight possible and the importance of the Navy to our nation,鈥� Hermanson said.
Former 91探花President Mark Emmert, who left the 91探花in 2010, was the last 91探花faculty member invited to fly aboard the Blue Angels.
The Blue Angels are in Seattle for the annual Seafair Weekend Festival and the Boeing Seafair Air Show.