Escorted aircraft over Southampton
 

At about 12.30pm today in Southampton I noticed what looked like a twin engined passenger jet (was pretty high so couldn't get a good look, but I'd guess it was an A320 or 737, possibly something bigger) being escorted by two smaller jets, presumably military, flying in formation off its right wing.

I'm sure its not a big deal, but anyone know what this was about?

What height, what direction?

there were at least 2 formations today - travelling W to E then reported to S. Thought to be Harriers with their VC10 tankers off to Cyprus or Afghanistan. 1st was VC10 plus 4 , 2nd was VC10 plus 2.

They were headed south-east, wouldn't want to guess at the height but could well have been at cruise. Could well have been a VC10, that would make a lot more sense than a passenger jet.

Could of being an American B763 being escorted to Heathrow?

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The AA flight had landed at LHR 1050 and on stand 1057. So, not that.

Vapour trailing AA into LHR with 4 fighter escort? Hmmm!
Afghanistan was more likely - BBC news reported next day surprise visit of Princess Anne.

I saw that as well, went almost directly over Salisbury Cathedral while I was sat in the grounds enjoying the sunshine. Going W to E much higher and faster than normal passenger jet traffic using that route, a normal two engine contrail with two single contrails close behind on the right hand side.

Falcon plus two Hawks?

It was a VC10 Tanker plus 2 Harriers !

Typhoo's dear chap. 2 x VC10 and 6 tiffys.
Magic carpet.

Glad we're getting to the truth. I was told it was a Blackburn Beverley refuelling two SR-71s.

With the Blackburn in a steep dive....

Nah, everyone knows that SR-71s are refuelled by UFOs operating directly out of Area 51. ;)