A sudden, thunderous noise rattled windows and startled residents across Essex on Wednesday afternoon, as an RAF Typhoon fighter jet created a sonic boom while responding to an emergency.
The dramatic sound was caused by the aircraft breaking the sound barrier during a high-speed intercept mission. The Ministry of Defence confirmed the Typhoon was scrambled to investigate an unresponsive civilian plane that had entered UK airspace.
Emergency Response in UK Skies
According to official statements, the RAF Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) was activated when air traffic controllers lost communication with the civilian aircraft. The Typhoon, stationed at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, was dispatched to identify and escort the plane.
"The Typhoon was authorised to travel at supersonic speed for operational reasons," a Defence spokesperson explained. "This resulted in the sonic boom heard across parts of Essex and surrounding areas."
Understanding Sonic Booms
Sonic booms occur when an aircraft exceeds the speed of sound (approximately 767 mph at sea level), creating shockwaves that merge into a single, powerful pressure wave. While alarming to those on the ground, they pose no danger when aircraft are at sufficient altitude.
Local social media erupted with reports of the explosion-like sound, with many residents initially fearing an accident or attack before explanations emerged.
Military Protocols and Public Safety
The incident highlights the RAF's round-the-clock readiness to protect UK airspace. QRA missions, operating 24/7 since the Cold War, typically involve intercepting:
- Civilian aircraft experiencing communication failures
- Unauthorised entries into restricted airspace
- Potential security threats
While sonic booms are rare over populated areas, the MOD maintains they are sometimes necessary for national security. The civilian aircraft involved in Wednesday's incident was safely escorted out of restricted airspace.
