index

Phallic Shaped Flight Path Near Russian Military Base “Unintentional”

GEAR CHECK: Our readers don't just follow the news - they stay ready. Featured gear from this story is below.

Jill Butler

US Air Force Europe claims that an unusually shaped flight path made by pilots of a KC-135 Stratotanker is purely coincidental. Last week, a website called Flightradar24, dedicated to tracking aircrafts and their routes worldwide, cited a United States Air Force flight with a path shaped suspiciously like a penis pointing directly at a Russian Naval base in Syria. This situation garnered more attention than usual given the increasingly volatile relationship between the United States and Russia.

US Air Force Europe claims that an unusually shaped flight path made by pilots of a KC-135 Stratotanker is purely coincidental. Last week, a website called Flightradar24, dedicated to tracking aircrafts and their routes worldwide, cited a United States Air Force flight with a path shaped suspiciously like a penis pointing directly at a Russian Naval base in Syria. This situation garnered more attention than usual given the increasingly volatile relationship between the United States and Russia.

Photo via Flightradar24

The incident was initially reported by the Italian newspaper, La Repubblica, which wrote that the flight pattern “is unequivocally that of a penis.” Quickly, the news became the target of memes and pundits.

A spokesperson for the Air Force stated, “at this time, we do not believe the crew acted inappropriately, flying a refueling orbit consistent with requirements that met the needs of receiver aircraft.” The flight was said to be a refueling flight between Syria and Cyprus.

As of yet, no disciplinary actions have been announced, nor are they likely to be.

You may also like

Blog

A recently promoted U.S. Air Force major was among six service members killed in a KC-135 refueling aircraft crash in Iraq during a non-combat incident now under investigation.
Donald Trump and his administration have intensified criticism of media coverage of the Iran war, drawing concerns over press freedom and potential government overreach.
Students at Old Dominion University subdued a gunman, identified as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, after he killed ROTC instructor Brandon Shah and injured two others in a shooting being investigated as terrorism.
Six U.S. Air Force personnel, including three from the Ohio Air National Guard, were killed when a KC-135 Stratotanker crashed in Iraq during Operation Epic Fury, the Pentagon confirmed.
Afghanistan’s Taliban government accused Pakistan of conducting airstrikes in Kabul and Kandahar Province that killed civilians as cross-border fighting between the two countries entered its third week.

Like This Story? Check Out What Our Community Is Buying

Our best sellers are designed for real-world use - not hype.

View Best Sellers