British Typhoon Aircraft’s Canopy Jettisoned after Suspected Bird Strike

An XI (F) Squadron Typhoon from U.K. Royal Air Force (RAF) Coningsby, Lincolnshire, lost its cockpit canopy mid-flight during an emergency maneuver caused by a suspected bird strike.

The aircraft safely returned to the airbase, and the pilot was unharmed, according to an RAF spokesperson.

Bird strikes, defined as collisions between birds and aircraft, can pose significant risks during flights. This incident has drawn attention due to other recent occurrences involving RAF aircraft.

On January 20, an F-35 fighter jet on a training flight over North Wales encountered a bird strike but managed to return to its base without further complications. In another case, on January 17, a pylon from a Typhoon operating out of RAF Coningsby reportedly detached mid-air, though no injuries were reported.

The RAF has launched an investigation to determine the circumstances leading to the Typhoon's canopy loss and assess potential links to the suspected bird strike.

Bird strikes remain a persistent challenge in aviation, particularly for low-flying military aircraft operating in diverse environments. Wildlife management near airbases and advancements in detection systems are critical to minimizing such risks.

The RAF has not released further details about the incidents but emphasized its commitment to ensuring safety and preventing future occurrences.