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Just Witnessed Possible CAP Flight Intercept
My own personal self | 1/4/02 | Psalm37

Posted on 01/04/2002 2:41:29 PM PST by psalm37

About 30 Minutes ago, 6:10-ish Eastern Time I was outside and noticed three aircraft flying South. I'm inside the Beltway, in Northern VA (about 10 miles from DC); I'd guess these aircraft were not actually over DC, but close.

The lead aircraft was lit up like an airliner at low altitude, the other two were definitely CAP aircraft, with just white blinking beacons (one each). The CAPs came up behind the airliner at high speed then backed off to match speed with it. Then the CAP to the left sped up and came so close to the airliner that I could not distinguish which was which. I never heard any engine or other noises because they were all too far away, and at this time of evening, rush-hour traffic is in full swing - lots of ambient sounds.

Next they all started turning to the left and straightened out heading North-Eastward. At this time either the airliner or the CAP closest to it showed a new light, which was very intense, and looked yellow/orange. At this point I would have been looking at them from the rear and left. I watched this scene, including the new, intense, yellow/orange light for another 10-15 seconds before I lost sight of them in the trees.

At first I wondered if this was a mid-air re-fueling, with the brightest light being used for visibility purposes, but I wonder if they would re-fuel like that at such low altitude, and over such a highly populated area.


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To: coloradan
With 49,950 of those pairs of eyes glued to a computer screen!

Point your screen towards the window. Unless you have glare control, you should be able to see a reflection.

21 posted on 01/04/2002 2:55:29 PM PST by Lazamataz
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To: psalm37
but I wonder if they would re-fuel like that at such low altitude, and over such a highly populated area.

Refueling is typically done in standard refueling "tracks" where the tanker flies around a large, four-cornered "race-course" shaped trajectory in the sky whilst thirsting aircraft line up to be "serviced."

It makes no sense for this to be done over a populated area, or at low altitude, except in some unusual emergency situation.

22 posted on 01/04/2002 2:57:13 PM PST by longshadow
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To: psalm37
It could well be mid-air refueling. The Boston Herald printed pictures a couple of weeks ago showing mid-air refueling over Manhattan. Apparently F-16s are patrolling the major cities 24/7 these days.
23 posted on 01/04/2002 2:57:55 PM PST by SamAdams76
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To: Cagey
My home is fairly elevated (we've got hills here), and faces due South. I was in the backyard putting away the garbage cans, looked up, to the East, and saw all this happen. I moved from the back yard to the front yard through the East-side yard, never losing sight of this occurance. This help?
24 posted on 01/04/2002 2:58:21 PM PST by psalm37
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To: psalm37
The intense light was probably a landing light. Are you near the airport?
25 posted on 01/04/2002 2:58:52 PM PST by Lady Jag
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To: DainBramage
Maybe they were running an escort with a VIP Military plane.

Could be, but wouldn't you think they'd have been with that VIP plane all along, instead of just catching up with it?

26 posted on 01/04/2002 3:01:25 PM PST by psalm37
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To: Lazamataz
"Your breath isn't that bad..... ;^)"

You better ask the Slippy one about that...

27 posted on 01/04/2002 3:02:54 PM PST by Cyber Liberty
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To: psalm37
This help?

Yes, it does. Thanks.

28 posted on 01/04/2002 3:03:54 PM PST by Cagey
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To: psalm37
I hope we don't hear about any cattle mutilations on the eastern seaboard... that would be too weird... ;0)

Just kidding. I wouldn't be surprised if it was, A. a refueling, or B. some drunk on a flight, & pilot asked for an escort... :0)

29 posted on 01/04/2002 3:04:18 PM PST by Chad Fairbanks
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To: psalm37
I read earlier it's the Virginia Air National Guard that's providing air cover around here.
30 posted on 01/04/2002 3:04:56 PM PST by Ligeia
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To: sciencediet
The intense light was probably a landing light. Are you near the airport?

This is possible, but not likely. As I said, I saw the light from behind and to the left of the aircraft. I would guess their altitude to have been low enough to be in a landing pattern, but not low enough to be on an approach. Planes on approach to Reagan National often pass over the house low enough to distinguish the airline.

31 posted on 01/04/2002 3:05:42 PM PST by psalm37
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To: psalm37
Could also be a whole squadron transfering somewhere else with support crew and maintanence in a larger aircraft.
32 posted on 01/04/2002 3:05:57 PM PST by DainBramage
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To: sciencediet
By the way, since 9/11, once airliners were allowed back inside the Beltway, they ALWAYS have every available light bulb turned on. I've been thinking they are probably now required to do that.

Also, the CAPs usually fly at MUCH higher altitude, and at MUCH higher speed.

33 posted on 01/04/2002 3:10:29 PM PST by psalm37
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To: psalm37
You should get over to the Eastern Shore. It's like an airshow over the Chesapeake.

Those afterburners sure are purty.

34 posted on 01/04/2002 3:11:50 PM PST by nunya bidness
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To: DainBramage
Could also be a whole squadron transfering somewhere else with support crew and maintanence in a larger aircraft

Maybe, but I only saw three of them. Who knows... yet.

35 posted on 01/04/2002 3:13:58 PM PST by psalm37
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To: Cyber Liberty
and moose...maybe some moose.
36 posted on 01/04/2002 3:17:53 PM PST by VMI70
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This being FR, I say it was some kind of UFO, involving Condit, Clinton, a Rothschild, and the war on drugs.

Probably flying in a Trojan Moose filled with tiny Chinese for a weekend coup.

37 posted on 01/04/2002 3:17:55 PM PST by Diddle E. Squat
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To: Cyber Liberty
Slippy one?

[best not to ask?]

I think I'll check out late night Freeping just once. Mornings are too business like

38 posted on 01/04/2002 3:18:03 PM PST by The Raven
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To: Lazamataz
Ah, Laz, you know we've had respect as a breaking news forum since "quidam" had his run here in 98'

Bwhaaaaaa

39 posted on 01/04/2002 3:18:29 PM PST by Channel_Islands_EANx_Diver
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To: nunya bidness
I just moved back inside the Beltway from Virginia's Northern Neck. I lived on the Rappahannock, about 10 miles up-river from the Bay. Gorgeous place to be and live!

I used to see all sorts of military hardware floating and flying by. The most bizarre were giant gray hovercraft that would come up the river day, or night, would sit and idle near our home for between 1/2 hour and 1 hour, then hover back down-river again.

Also, when the aircraft fly up the river, they're not too shy about it - they fly very low, very fast, usually in pairs. Once I saw a pair fly UNDER the Rt. 3 bridge!

40 posted on 01/04/2002 3:19:12 PM PST by psalm37
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