| UPDATED: 16:54, Tue, Jan 12, 2021
Link copied Sign up for FREE for the biggest new releases, reviews and tech hacks
SUBSCRIBE Invalid email
When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters.
Sometimes they ll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer.
Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights.
You can unsubscribe at any time.
A sonic boom erupted through the skies over south east England today (January 12), with reports of a loud explosion over Cambridge, South Essex and London. Social media reports have compared the noise to thunder or a gas explosion. One person said they felt windows rattle as the boom went off.
Two Eurofighter Typhoon jets were scrambled from RAF Coningsby to intercept the civilian aircraft
- Credit: Archant
A sonic boom, which was heard as far as Essex, Suffolk and Cambridgshire this afternoon, has been revealed to have been due to a civilian aircraft being intercepted by two RAF jets.
The huge boom, which happened around 1pm today, was the noise of two Quick Reaction Alert Typhoon aircraft going supersonic after being scrambled from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire.
Flight tracking website ADSBexchange.com recorded a Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4 reaching a peak speed of over 1,000 knots (1,150mph) above Ickleton, just south of Cambridge.
Residents in Hertfordshire, Essex, Kent, Cambridge, north and south London reported hearing an explosion yesterday as an RAF Typhoon fighter jet broke the sound barrier.