The Indian Navy has cautioned the people in the State not to panic if an occasional sonic boom is heard due to MiG-29K sorties off the Arabian Sea.
In a press note, Navy PRO Cdr M C Joshi informed that MiG-29K is an advanced multi-role forth generation Air Superiority Fighter, which is presently being operated from Navy’s premier naval air station INS Hansa at Dabolim.
“This aircraft has the capability to go supersonic at almost twice the speed of sound in order to overtake enemy fighters and shoot them down,” stated Joshi.
Supersonic flights are associated with ‘sonic booms’. A sonic boom is a sound which is similar to a loud explosion generated by the shock waves formed on the airplane in supersonic flight.
In certain atmospheric conditions, sonic booms from a supersonic aircraft may reach distances as far as 20-40 kms.
“However, there is still a possibility that sonic booms could be heard by the local population and our fishing communities from time-to-time. These are absolutely harmless to life, health and property,” stated Joshi.
Supersonic flights have been undertaken by IAF all over the country since 1970s and are a normal part of fighter training.
The ability to fly at supersonic speed is of great advantage to a fighter pilot in a combat situation and it is therefore important that supersonic flying is practiced to maintain a high level of operational readiness.
To achieve this aim, without disturbing people in the State, MiG-29K pilots at INS Hansa will fly all flights involving supersonic profiles deep into the sea and at very high altitudes.
The public has been advised not to be alarmed should an occasional boom be heard.
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