Typhoon and Lightning fighter jets from three RAF airfields participated in the drill over the Hebrides; one pilot described the sensation as “amazing.”
The Royal Air Force shot down 53 unmanned aerial vehicles in its largest ever use of sophisticated short-range air-to-air missiles.
Last month, at the Hebrides Air Weapon Ranges in Scotland, pilots from eight separate squadrons successfully shot down scores of target drones over the ocean over the course of ten days.
Typhoon and Lightning jets participated in the test, which aimed to offer pilots and weapons personnel real-world experience firing infrared-guided missiles.
Clips from the practise depict the missiles being launched from the aircraft and soaring across the sky.
As the missiles whizz past the planes en route to their drone targets, a whoosh can be heard.
One pilot who participated in the drill hailed the launch of the missiles as “amazing.”
“It exceeded all expectations for my first live shooting drill on the Typhoon,” he stated.
“Selecting the weapon and realising a live missile would come off the rail was a one-of-a-kind experience; hearing the missile tone and pulling the trigger, followed by a loud whoosh and a minor trembling of the aeroplane, was incredible.
“Watching the missile disappear into the sky in front of me was an unforgettable experience; the ASRAAM’s speed is truly remarkable.”
The pilots were aiming at specially constructed Banshee target drones for these training operations.
During the drill, Typhoon pilots from RAF Lossiemouth in Moray and RAF Coningsby in Lincoln collaborated with Lightning pilots from RAF Marham in Kings Lynn.
One of the weapons specialists involved in preparing the aircraft stated, “Seeing the preparation of the aircraft and missiles was essential for the more junior members of the squadron, as it allowed them to comprehend the difficulties of a live weapon firing practise.”
“Because of the additional dangers involved, individuals participating in the operation of armed aircraft must retain the utmost attention.
“As a weapons technician, you experience immense job satisfaction after you’ve loaded the aircraft with weapons, completed all post-load testing, and seen it taxi away armed.
“When the aeroplane returns ‘clean’ after firing its missiles successfully, it confirms years of training, hard work, and months of preparation.”
