2024-11-02 06:00:00
From November 4th to 15th, 2024, the Federal Army’s Eurofighter pilots will train interception maneuvers in the supersonic range. Two supersonic flights are planned each day between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
“This training is essential for our Air Force. The terrible war in Ukraine has clearly shown us how important reliable air protection is for a sovereign state. This has to be practiced continuously, including in the supersonic range,” said Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner.
Indispensable for functioning airspace surveillance
Flying at supersonic speeds is an indispensable part of the training and education of our pilots and is essential for functioning Austrian air traffic control. Safe flight operations must also be ensured during operations in the supersonic range and flight safety has the highest priority here too. The pilots train this under real physical stress, which cannot be represented in the simulator. The close and extremely time-critical coordination between military pilots, radar control officers and military and civil air traffic control is also an essential purpose of the training.
Flights take place over almost the entire federal territory with the exception of metropolitan areas and the federal states of Tyrol and Vorarlberg. The flight areas are determined in cooperation with civil air traffic control. In order to keep the noise level as low as possible, we fly at high altitudes.
Measures to reduce the spread of sound
To reduce the propagation of sound near the ground, the Federal Army is taking the following measures:
- The acceleration phases of the Eurofighter are kept as short as possible.
- The sound distribution is continuously documented in order to reduce multiple sound exposure in the same rooms to a minimum.
- The metropolitan areas around the state capitals and the federal capital are left out for supersonic flights. However, subsonic flights can take place over these areas at any time.
- There are no training flights at supersonic speeds between 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. or on weekends and public holidays.
- The flights are completed at an altitude of 12,500 meters in order to minimize any sonic booms that occur on the ground.
Supersonic speed
The supersonic speed starts at around 1,200 km/h. If a Eurofighter approaches this speed, shock waves occur on the aircraft. These shock waves can be perceived on the ground as sonic booms. The volume of the sonic boom depends, among other things, on the altitude, the terrain structure and the weather conditions.
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### Interview with Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner on Eurofighter Training
**Interviewer:** Good morning, Minister Tanner. Thank you for joining us today.
**Minister Tanner:** Good morning! It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Interviewer:** You recently announced that Eurofighter pilots will conduct interception maneuvers in the supersonic range from November 4th to 15th. Can you elaborate on why this training is so critical for the Austrian Air Force?
**Minister Tanner:** Absolutely. This training is crucial for maintaining our air defense capabilities. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has highlighted the need for robust air protection in sovereign nations. Regular practice, especially in supersonic operations, is vital for us to ensure we’re prepared for any situation.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like this training is not just about flying fast. What other aspects are involved?
**Minister Tanner:** Correct. While flying at supersonic speeds is a key component, we focus on safe flight operations, especially during these high-stress maneuvers. Our pilots need to work closely with radar control officers and both military and civil air traffic control, which requires precise coordination. This real-world practice is irreplaceable by simulations.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that safe flight operations must be ensured. How do you balance the necessity of high-speed training with safety concerns?
**Minister Tanner:** Safety is our highest priority. We have thorough protocols in place to ensure that all operations are conducted safely. The physical stress our pilots experience during these exercises cannot be simulated, which is why it’s critical to have these real training sessions. Our teams are well-prepared to handle the complexities involved.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what message do you want to convey to the citizens of Austria regarding this training?
**Minister Tanner:** I want to reassure the public that the Air Force is committed to protecting our airspace effectively and responsibly. Our pilots are undergoing essential training to safeguard our sovereignty and ensure our air defense capabilities are always at the ready.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Minister Tanner, for your insights and for taking the time to speak with us today.
**Minister Tanner:** Thank you for having me!
