More sonic booms from the RAAF's new supersonic F-35A Lightning II aircraft may be heard over the Katherine area in the Northern Territory with the new fighters now operating out of the Tindal base, the defence force says.
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Air Combat Group Commander Tim Alsop, says supersonic flights will occur more frequently with the F-35A compared to the older F/A-18A/B Classic Hornets because of the design of the new jets.
"The F-35A is more streamlined, as it carries its fuel and weapons internally," Air Commodore Alsop said.
"The majority of supersonic flying occurs over the ocean. However, an important element of maintaining this key capability requires supersonic flight to also occur over land."
Commodore Alsop said the increase in supersonic flights would remain "relatively unnoticeable" and people hearing sonic booms should not be alarmed.
"Supersonic flight is not approved near major built-up areas, but occasionally the sonic boom, which is created as the aircraft races past its own noise, can be heard more than 20 kilometres away," he said.
Australian Associated Press
