A loud noise followed by a shock wave, which lasted a few seconds, occurred this Monday in the late morning on the Central coast, with no known cause. Now the Air Force explains what happened.
It was an operational F-16M mission off Figueira da Foz. But what does that mean? That the reports that reported a resulted from “carrying out an F-16M operational mission (…) in which it was necessary to overcome the sound barrier”.
“This type of activity is essential to guarantee the readiness and effectiveness of national resources in safeguarding airspace, with control of the situation/activity being ensured at all times”, explains the Air Force in the statement sent to newsrooms.
The Air Force says that, “in certain atmospheric conditions, namely thermal inversions or variations in air density, there may be a greater propagation of shock waves, making the phenomenon more audible and comprehensive than what would be expected at the surface.”
Despite the scare, there were no reports of victims or material damage and, adds the Air Force, “there was no dangerous situation for the population”.
It was just “a one-off occurrence arising from operations essential to national security and defense. The Institution maintains its permanent commitment to the defense of national airspace and the safety of citizens.”
