RAF Voyager aircraft's 160mph tyre blow-out captured in dramatic footage
Dramatic footage has been released of a Royal Air Force Voyager blowing out a tyre while taking off during an exercise in the United States.
The air-to-air refuelling aircraft was filmed travelling down a runway during Exercise Red Flag. The Voyager was being used in a supporting role for UK and US fighters taking part in aerial combat training.
The captain of the Voyager said: "This has been an eventful day, but it is reassuring to be part of a wider team that operates so effectively under pressure."
The aircraft was travelling at 160mph at the time of the incident, but was able to take off successfully.
Pieces of rubber can be seen flying off the aircraft as it picked up speed, and the crew later said they felt minor vibrations, but were unaware of the seriousness of the incident.
Once airborne, pressure sensors showed faults with two of the tyres.
A US Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jet was then contacted to perform a visual inspection of the Voyager in the air.
Corporal Jaz Lawton, the cabin supervisor, said afterwards: "This was my first flight in charge of the cabin with passengers on board.
"It was a shock to learn that the tyre had burst, but my training kicked in and I worked with the pilots and other crew to keep the passengers updated and reassure them."
Before coming in to land, the crew kept the aircraft in the air longer than they had planned in order to reduce the amount of fuel and therefore the overall weight of the aircraft.
Through skilful piloting the Voyager was able to touch down safely at Nellis Air Force Base in southern Nevada.
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