RAF Typhoon on 24-hour standby for hijacks
The RAF'S controversial new fighter jet has finally been put on standby to shoot down hijacked airliners.
From next week Eurofighter Typhoon warplanes will be at constant readiness to intercept jets which air traffic controllers believe have been seized by terrorists intent on a September 11-style atrocity.
At least one Typhoon will be poised 24 hours a day at the end of the runway at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, as the designated Quick Reaction Aircraft for southern Britain.
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Speed of a typhoon: The RAF has put its Typhoons on 24-standby in case of hijacks
It will take over from the ageing Tornado F3 fighter jets which currently fulfil the same role, and which will continue to cover the northern UK airspace for some months yet.
The Typhoon's precise top speed - roughly twice the speed of sound, or around 1,300mph - remains classified, but sources claim it would intercept any suspect airliner "significantly faster" than the 30-year-old Tornadoes and could reach London in "well inside ten minutes".
It is understood the Prime Minister or a senior cabinet colleague would have to give clearance before an aircraft was shot down.
