QRA Sonic Boom
From what I read earlier, the handoff from Belgium (Eurocontrol) disappeared into the ether as they crossed the North Sea.
IG
The plane was apparently a private aircraft from Nuremberg, Germany, according to flight trackers.
The RAF has since released a statement, saying: “QRA Typhoon aircraft were launched this afternoon from RAF Coningsby to intercept a civilian aircraft that had lost communications; subsequently, communications were re-established, the aircraft was intercepted and safely escorted to Stansted Airport.
The RAF has since released a statement, saying: “QRA Typhoon aircraft were launched this afternoon from RAF Coningsby to intercept a civilian aircraft that had lost communications; subsequently, communications were re-established, the aircraft was intercepted and safely escorted to Stansted Airport.
Gnome de PPRuNe
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Null Orifice, I think you'll find the type was a Garbled ExpressJet and they have an inclusive extraview with David Learjet of Fright International...
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This is the bizjet scheme I like, how cool is that!
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The aircraft would have been on an IFR Flight Plan and would have been talking to ATC. From the info released so far it looks like an equipment problem (or finger trouble) leading to a prolonged loss of communication. If ATC can’t get hold of the crew using all means then an intercept in these circumstances is standard procedure.
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I hope the hirer that flew out of the UK on the aircraft was actually allowed to do so by the current coronavirus travel restrictions. If whom were, then that is fine. If not they should pay for the QRA shout. If they can afford to rent a Global Express, they can afford to.
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Previous Owner
Nothing that would make a sonic boom, but his hangar contains many nice things!
https://www.flickr.com/photos/vzlet/...n/photostream/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/vzlet/...n/photostream/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/vzlet/...n/photostream/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/vzlet/...n/photostream/
"Mildly" Eccentric Stardriver
Same here - one boom, one contrail, and only one aircraft on the screenshots of the tracking site...
One half of the team (policeman/nightclub-doorman/patrol) makes itself known to the target, attempts to determine their intentions, and seeks to influence their behavior. Because of their observability and proximity, however, they are not necessarily best placed to respond to aggressive or non compliant actions by the perpetrator.
The other half of the team (policeman/ambush party/interceptor) stands back, normally carries a big stick, and prepares to intervene if required. If you've noticed him, he's lost part of his advantage.
Rather than ask why you couldn't see the second Typhoon, perhaps we should be considering why we could see the first? Why would a military aircraft on a live operation employ the tactic of making itself visible on a tracking website and (presumably) on TCAS?
Of course physics. Lots-of-noise physics, contrail physics, FR24 physics and Twitter physics.
All avoided by his buddy (not, I hasten to add, his wingman), who is quietly positioning himself in the target's 6.
All avoided by his buddy (not, I hasten to add, his wingman), who is quietly positioning himself in the target's 6.