Claims Red Arrows face solar glare risk rejected

An RAF source has dismissed claims that glare from solar farms could cause the Red Arrows to crash.

In a House of Commons debate, Conservative MP Dr Caroline Johnson said light reflecting from panels could dazzle RAF pilots flying from air bases, including one used for training aircrew.

However, a senior RAF source told the PA news agency this was not the case and "in general terms, solar panels across fields in Lincolnshire are not going to affect our pilots".

The Ministry of Defence and the RAF have been contacted for comment.

Johnson, the MP for Sleaford and North Hykeham, hit out at plans for large solar farms in her rural Lincolnshire constituency during a parliamentary debate on the issue, arguing they were inappropriate as they could hinder farmland productivity.

She told the Commons earlier: "I also ask the minister to give due consideration to the three RAF bases local to my constituency, RAF Waddington, RAF Cranwell and RAF Digby.

"Glint and glare from reflective panels will cause problems for pilots flying over these areas.

"Our newest pilots undergo basic training at Cranwell and RAF Waddington is home to the Red Arrows."

She said while it was "a huge joy" to watch the display team practising at high speeds, clusters of adjoining panels "creating glint and glare could lead to disaster".

Labour MP Sarah Russell intervened to point out the pilots in countries such as Spain, where there are "widespread solar panels", did not have a problem.

Johnson replied: "I wonder if the average jumbo jet flying to Heathrow does a loop-the-loop on the way in?"

A senior RAF source, who had flown fast jets for more than two decades, said: "At no point in my flying career did I ever have any problems with solar panels. Clearly, they weren't as prolific as they are now around the UK, but even so.

"If you were putting something big, shiny and tall on the approach lane to a major airfield like Heathrow or any of our MoD operating bases, then clearly the Ministry of Defence or the Civil Aviation Authority would be interested and put a request in for more information, and if we weren't happy, we would oppose it."

Energy minister Michael Shanks said: "These solar panels are designed to absorb light, not reflect it... glint and glare is considered within the planning process already."

Five large solar farms have already been approved for Lincolnshire, with more already in the pipeline.

Johnson said: "Lincolnshire is the nation's bread basket and produces 30% of the nation's vegetables.

"This is land we can least afford to lose."

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