Runaway military blimp loose over US

Date October 29, 2015 - 5:18AM

A US high-tech missile defence blimp. Photo: Raytheon

Washington: A high-tech US military blimp equipped with radar to help detect a missile attack came loose from its moorings in Maryland on Wednesday and floated over the neighbouring state of Pennsylvania, the North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD) said.

Two F-16 fighter jets were monitoring the surveillance system as it hovered at about 16,000 feet.

"NORAD officials are working closely with the (Federal Aviation Administration) to ensure air traffic safety, as well as with our other interagency partners to address the safe recovery of the aerostat," NORAD said.

US military high-tech blimp at a testing ground. Photo: Raytheon

It was not immediately clear how the blimp became detached from its mooring station at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, a US Army facility in Maryland.

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/world/runaway-...#ixzz3ptMBfUl0