The Golden GateFat AlbertVapor TrailsThe Blue AngelsMiscellaneousTHE FLEET WEEK AIRSHOWA collection of photos by Bhautik JoshiBuilt in 1937 and spanning a mile between the North and South Bay the Golden Gate bridge serves as a spectacular backdrop to the Fleet Week Airshow over San Francisco. Planes in the show famously fly low over the bridge; rumor has it that in previous years pilots have flown under the bridge itself.backThe Blue Angels are the US Navy flight demonstration squadron, flying since 1946. In that time they have been seen by over 260 million people and are a regular highlight of Fleet Week every year in San Francisco.back'Fat Albert' is a US Navy C-130T Hercules that flies as a support aircraft for the Blue Angels. Carrying equipment, spares and personnel, Fat Albert will also make acrobatic passes over spectators before a show; the manueverability of such a large aircraft is always a surprise.backFast-flying aircraft have a steady flow of air moving at both supersonic and subsonic speed over the body of the aircraft. A sudden change in directon or the pilot alternating the pitch ever so slightly causes the supersonic and subsonic flows to mix; if conditions are right then this causes moisture to condense in these high-pressure regions producing the vapor cones you see here.During the San Francisco Fleet Week airshow, pilots will often attempt a fast sneak pass which produces a vapor cone. This is attmpted at a very low altitude, well below the height of masts of boats that are spectating.backback
