Jet noise reported following RAF Typhoon interception of commercial aircraft
A passenger plane en route to London Stansted Airport from Nice, France, was escorted by RAF Typhoon jets after it lost contact with air traffic control (ATC) over east and southeast England on Friday morning.
The incident, which occurred in parts of Kent and Essex, triggered a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and security of UK airspace. The RAF scrambled two Typhoon jets from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire to intercept the Bombardier Global Express private jet.
During the operation, the Typhoons reached speeds of just under 700 knots (805 mph) and broke the sound barrier, causing sonic booms that were heard across the region. The escorted plane eventually landed safely at London Stansted Airport without any reported incidents or concerns.
The RAF Typhoon FGR4, a highly capable and agile combat aircraft, is used in a wide range of air operations, including air policing, peacekeeping, and high-intensity conflict. It was deployed to investigate the passenger plane and escort it safely to its destination.
The exact type of civilian aircraft involved in the incident was not specified, but it was confirmed that the Typhoon FGR4 went supersonic at an altitude of around 40,000ft. No further details about the passenger plane or the reason for losing contact with ATC were provided.
Essex Police also confirmed that a flight lost contact with the ground and was escorted into Stansted Airport. The RAF confirmed that the Typhoon fighter aircraft from RAF Coningsby were launched to investigate the civilian aircraft and safely escort it to its destination.
This incident highlights the RAF's Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) role in responding swiftly to any anomaly or potential threat in civilian air traffic. The loss of communication triggered the escort to verify the aircraft’s status and maintain airspace security. Once communication was re-established, the situation was resolved without escalation.
- The loss of communication between the passenger plane and air traffic control could potentially escalate into a conflict, emphasizing the importance of technology in maintaining general-news like air traffic control.
- While the sports of private jet flying may not typically involve high-speed maneuvers, the RAF Typhoon FGR4's response to escort a civilian aircraft showcased its technology and speed, breaking the sound barrier during the operation.
