Video: A Flight On 'Fat Albert'

It may not fly as fast or as nimbly as the F/A-18 Hornets, but the Blue Angels’ Fat Albert is definitely a showstopper.

This plane typically carries the cargo, equipment and support team for the Blue Angels, but it also does some entertaining in its spare time. With a maximum takeoff weight of 150,000 lbs, this C-130 pulls off maneuvers that would make your neighbor’s Corvette envious.

During takeoff, the plane accelerates to nearly 200 mph at a 45-degree angle, causing passengers to feel two g’s of gravity. In other words, a 150-pound person feels like 300 pounds. The plane also rapidly drops its altitude, causing passengers to feel zero-gravity – a.k.a. weightlessness.

But, it’s the assault landing that takes the cake. The pilots take the plane into a very steep approach, simulating a landing in mountainous terrain or a hostile environment. The pilots then touchdown and immediately throw the plane into full reverse, stopping it in just 1,500 feet.

We were able to snag a flight on Fat Albert this weekend, along with members of the U.S. Air Force stationed in Rhode Island. Check out the video above to see our little adventure.