Officials explain ‘loud boom’ heard in part of Upstate

ANDERSON COUNTY, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - Lockheed Martin explained a loud boom that was heard across Anderson County Wednesday morning.

Several viewers reached out and said they heard a “loud boom” just before noon.

Lockheed Martin released the following statement explaining the tests they were conducting.

“Lockheed Martin can confirm we conducted F-16 flight operations this morning. All our flight testing takes place in airspace designated by the FAA, and noise levels heard by the community will depend on various factors such as the type of flight operations, the power setting, altitude, and weather conditions. As part of the pre-delivery testing, all F-16s will conduct flight tests that include flying supersonic. Our flight profiles – specific airspace and altitude – are designed to minimize a sonic boom. In most weather conditions, a sonic boom will never reach the ground.”

The flight path crossed over Belton, Honea Path and other parts of Anderson County.

MORE NEWS: Upstate fireman hurt in April fire released from hospital

Copyright 2023 WHNS. All rights reserved.