Voyager tankers have refuelled an inbound aircraft inside the Arctic Circle after it declared an emergency, the UK Defence Journal can report.
It is understood that the Ministry of Defence used satellites with infra-red sensors to track the aircraft, the heat from an animals red nose was clearly visible.
It has also been made clear in the last few moments the refuelling operation has now concluded and additional Typhoon aircraft have been scrambled from RAF Lossiemouth to begin escorting the cargo aircraft over every British city, town and village later tonight but it is understood that the aircraft has only been cleared to fly over the homes of good boys and girls.
It is expected that the now fully refuelled aircraft will enter UK airspace not a moment before midnight tonight.
In addition to fuel, the Voyager aircraft has also transferred over some biscuits and a large quantity of Brandy.
Voyager, the RAF designation for the Airbus A330 MRTT, made its first operational tanker flight in May 2013. The UK operates a total of 14 Voyager aircraft, 5 of which are leased for commercial purposes when not required.
Merry Christmas George and UKDJ community. Thank you for all the articles and debates. I hope you all have a better 2021!
Merry Christmas George, UKDJ is fantastic essential reading!
Merry Christmas George and to my friends on the UKDJ.
Thank you for the site, long may it continue.
Merry Christmas to George and UKDJ, and all who post or just read. Hope the New Year brings some positives for the country.
Merry Xmas George and UKDJ community. Some great articles this year & looking forward to the next year.
Merry Xmas to you all.
Well done George and Co Hope she’s carrying a good bit of sherry.. Have a great Christmas and if not before, “see” you in the new year..
….I clicked too soon. I was also going to wish all of you bloggers and posters out there a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Stay safe.
Merry festives to all at UKDJ and readers, hope you’ve all been good boys and girls and Santa pays a visit.
Important mission.
Failure is not an option for anyone less than 8 years old.
Safe Christmas and thanks to George and all the contributors for making this an interesting and stimulating site.
Thank you to the UKDJ team, the guest contributors and incredibly passionate commenters/armchair generals.
Merry Christmas one and all. Here’s hoping 2021 goes better than 2020!
M@
“Voyager tankers have refuelled an inbound aircraft inside the Arctic Circle after it declared an emergency, the UK Defence Journal can report.”
Fake news,
21.20hrs GMT and Santa is currently over Libya according to NORAD
https://www.noradsanta.org
No, they were mistaken.
Happy Christmas to you, George, and all the fab contributors to UKDJ. Thank you all for the great reads week in and week out. A big BZ to you all.
And to my fellow bloggers – every good wish for a much better 2021. Stay safe guys!
A very Merry Christmas George to you and your team and all good friends on this wonderful site from your “Africa Correspondent” Geoff Caruth
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all at UKDJ.