Torque Tonight mentions the Puma which is probably the first line of defence of Atlas airspace, at least if an unknown incursion looks like a light aircraft. There was a piece on the BBC News before the games started showing the Typhoons arriving at Northolt, and also of a Puma, with chaps armed with serious looking weapons sitting in the open side doors, and producing a large hand held board with "Follow Me" thereon. Not a request to be ignored lightly!
Reminds me of an incident witnessed a couple of years ago near a local military base that has intense helio activity. Two Agusta approaching in close formation when from very low level, and "within the circle on the map" up pops a microlight, causing said helios to execute a sharp formation avoiding manoeuvre. They carried on for a short time, thought about it, and then both turned around and chased after said microlight, maybe to get his registration? Nearest I have ever come to witnessing and air to air coming together.
EGCA
Last edited by EGCA; 31st July 2012 at 09:50.