RAF Voyager Investigated After Dramatic Runway Scare
Incident Overview
An investigation is currently underway by the RAF following a concerning incident involving an RAF Voyager, the sister plane of a VIP jet utilized by the King and Chancellor Rishi Sunak. The RAF Voyager encountered a dramatic episode when it blew a landing gear tyre while hurtling down a Nevada runway at approximately 160mph with 80 tonnes of fuel onboard.
Similarity to VIP Jet
The Prime Minister often embarks on long-haul international journeys on a similar aircraft to the RAF Voyager. Boris Johnson personally oversaw the repainting of the VIP jet in patriotic colors at a cost of nearly £1 million. The RAF Voyagers, specifically the Airbus A330 models, are primarily employed for mid-air refueling operations.
Recent Incident and Investigation
Recently, another aircraft within the same Voyager fleet encountered a tire blowout during an RAF exercise in the United States. The Ministry of Defence addressed the rarity of such incidents and confirmed the initiation of an investigation to determine the cause. A spokesperson mentioned collaborating with the US Air Force to identify whether external factors or tire issues led to the incident, ruling out any inherent model faults.
Crew’s Response and Safe Landing
Despite experiencing minor vibrations during the flight, the crew remained vigilant. Corporal Vaz Lawton, responsible for overseeing the cabin with passengers onboard, highlighted the teamwork and training that assisted in addressing the situation and ensuring passenger reassurance. Following safety protocols, the crew opted to burn excess fuel to lighten the aircraft for a safer landing at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada.
Participation in ‘Red Flag’ Exercise
The affected RAF Voyager was actively involved in the “Red Flag” exercise, providing support to UK and US fighter jets during aerial combat training. The captain commended the efficient teamwork and effective operations under pressure, emphasizing the significance of coordinated efforts in such challenging scenarios.
