Tech issue grounds military jet's fly-by

Wednesday 11 September 2019

The US Air Force has been forced to cancel their fly past the island this afternoon because of a technical problem.

The eight-engined B52 Stratofortress Bomber, which is 159ft-long and has a max speed of 650mph, had been highly anticipated ahead of its scheduled flight over the island.

However, its has suffered a technical problem, and Jersey Air Display Organiser Mike Higgins said replacement parts ordered from the United States will not arrive at their base until at least 18:00 tomorrow.

Pictured: Organiser Deputy Mike Higgins said the Air Display team were "disappointed" that the military jet could no longer appear.

"The Jersey Air Display team are disappointed but we all know from experience that complicated military jets do break down and that it is also the nature of the air displays," said Mr Higgins. 

"We hope however that people will turn out tomorrow and attend our static display at the airport from 14:00 tomorrow until 19:30 with last entry at 19:00 and come and watch the flying display on Thursday afternoon."

This will include a beach landing by the Antonov AN-2, a Korean War dog fight between the North American F-86 fighter jet and a Mikoyan Mig 15 jet over the bay, a four ship Vietnam War display involving a Cessna O-2, and the Breitling Jet finale.

"I can say without hesitation that the Breitling Jets are as good as the Red Arrow - I know both teams well," said Mr Higgins.

"The Reds, the Patrouille de France and the Italian Frecce Tricolori have all flown with the Breitling Jets and consider them their equals."

Pictured top: The B52 Stratofortress Bomber used by the US Air Force.