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RAF fighter jets spotted low-flying across Leicestershire

Two RAF fighter jets were spotted low-flying at breakneck speed across Leicestershire this morning (Thursday, July 13) creating an immense noise which was reportedly heard across the county. The two military planes were seen flying over Leicestershire at approximately 10.15am and some residents have claimed it felt like their house was "shaking".[1][2]

Known as 'Typhoon fighters', the jets are "extremely agile multi-role combat aircraft", according to the RAF and can reach a top speed of 1,550 miles per hour. These jets have been used in a variety of conflicts, but their most "essential role" remains as the "provision of quick reaction alert" for the UK and Falkland Island airspaces.

A spokesperson for the RAF confirmed the two fighters[3] did fly over Leicestershire this morning as part of a training exercise and they are based at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire. These pilots use a variety of training areas around the UK and vary their routes consistently.

The spokesperson said: "‘Two RAF Typhoon fighters from XI (Fighter) Squadron, RAF Coningsby completed some routine low flying[5] training across the Midlands this morning such training ensuring that our crews continue to be ready for global operations. Subsequently the aircraft transited to RAF Fairford for the Royal International Air Tattoo"

When pilots are 'low-flying' the Typhoons the minimum height they can fly at is 250 feet above ground level. To put this into perspective, the height of the Big Ben clock tower in London is 310 feet. This low training allows the RAF crews to train[6] in varied environments, in preparation for operations across the world.

Whilst the noise of the jets[7] was heard in the city, many people living in South Leicestershire heard and saw the jets fly by. Speaking on social media this morning, residents living in Fleckney and Kibworth said the noise was "huge".

One resident said: "They were fantastic! Reminds me of when I was younger and it used to happen loads. Such a rare sight now."

Another added: "It was two very loud jet aeroplanes! I nearly jumped out my skin at Harcourt Park, they flew right over our heads". One villager even said "we thought we were going to get bombed!"

One of the Typhoon jets seen by a resident in Fleckney

References

  1. ^ Two RAF fighter jets (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
  2. ^ it felt like their house was "shaking". (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
  3. ^ RAF confirmed the two fighters (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
  4. ^ List of road closures planned across Leicester this summer for resurfacing work (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
  5. ^ RAF Coningsby completed some routine low flying (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
  6. ^ the RAF crews to train (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
  7. ^ noise of the jets (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)

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