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USAF Sonic Boom Shocks Norfolk Skies
15 Jan
Summary
- A US Air Force F-35A pilot caused a sonic boom Monday afternoon.
- The pilot experienced an inadvertent supersonic speed during training.
- The USAF has issued an apology for the unexpected loud noise.
A sonic boom, perceived as a loud explosion, was heard across Norfolk and Suffolk on Monday afternoon. Residents reported the startling noise, which prompted an apology from the US Air Force. The event originated from a routine training mission involving a USAF F-35A aircraft based at RAF Lakenheath.
The loud sound was attributed to a corrective maneuver performed by the pilot, which led to an inadvertent brief moment of supersonic speed. This unexpected maneuver caused the sonic boom that resonated through the areas between Norwich and Ipswich.
The 48th Fighter Wing of the US Air Force has confirmed the incident and apologized for any alarm or inconvenience caused by the sonic boom. The event highlights the operational realities of supersonic flight training within populated areas.
