RAF emergency declared near London as Chinook helicopter sends 7700 ‘squawk code'

RAF emergency declared near London as Chinook helicopter sends 7700 ‘squawk code' The RAF helicopter, a Boeing-Vertol CH-47 Chinook, declared the emergency near London on Wednesday night, October 7 at around 10.15pm An RAF helicopter has declared an emergency near London. The aircraft, a Boeing-Vertol CH-47 Chinook (SHF482) declared the emergency at 10.15pm on Wednesday, October 7. It squawked 7700 at 2,000 feet near London. The code 7700 is the universal transponder code, known as a "squawk code", that means the aircraft is declaring a general emergency and is recognised worldwide. Squawking 7700 also notifies all nearby air traffic controllers in the surrounding areas of the situation with the flight. These codes are a key part of managing flights everywhere and helps organise the skies. The details of the emergency are currently unknown. The aircraft, a Boeing CH-47 Chinook, is a twin-engine, tandem-rotor heavy-lift helicopter developed by Vertol and manufactured by Boeing. They are used by militaries across the world, including the UK. It can carry up to 24,000 pounds of internal cargo or sling-load nearly 26,000 pounds externally. The emergency comes shortly after a 'terror' incident at the RAF Fairford base in Gloucestershire. Counter terror police opened an investigation after vans were found by the base on September 27. Five British nationals, all in their mid-20s, who were arrested near the base have since been released on bail. A sixth man, a dual UK-Iranian national aged 25, was arrested last week. He has also been released on bail. The US withdrew all planes from the base 'urgently' following the incident, that is believed to have been 'linked to Iran'. Since the incident, No10 has insisted RAF Fairford is safe despite the US withdrawing fighter jets from the base due to security concerns. The Mirror has contacted the RAF for further details. [Image text:] el Oxford StAlbans itree Chelmsford Swindon South Mndon Readn Dartford Newburyo Rochester wolig Maidstone Guildfo. Royal anbridge Wells As SalisburyWinchester Horshar High Weald Southampon Hastings Brighton PortsmFath Eastbourne Bournemouth