Typhoon jets unaffected by ash

Friday, April 23, 2010

Training flights in Typhoon fast jets have resumed after being temporarily suspended while the RAF investigated ash deposits found in the aircraft's engines, the MoD has announced.

Flights had been stopped as a precaution after the deposits were found in the engines of jets based at RAF Coningsby, in Lincolnshire, on Wednesday, 21 April. The temporary flight ban did not affect Quick Reaction Alert flights.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: "RAF engineers have confirmed there has been no damage to any of the Typhoon aircraft or engines following precautionary investigation of volcanic ash deposits."

Typhoon flying at RAF Coningsby recommenced at 8am on April 23 following the checks.

UK airspace was reopened at 10pm on Tuesday, 20 April, after being closed for six days over fears a cloud of ash released by an Icelandic volcano could damage jet engines.