?50m Hercules blown up.
MILITARY chiefs blew up a ?50million aircraft so its high-tech gear would not fall into enemy hands, it was revealed yesterday.
The decision to destroy the specially modified RAF Hercules was made after it crash-landed in a southern Afghan Taliban stronghold.
The loss of the plane, used to move SAS troops and equipment, is expected to hamper special forces operations for a while in the lawless Helmand badlands.
The hushed-up accident occurred last week in a blacked-out night landing on a rough dirt air strip.
Missions ... SAS
Pilots using night vision goggles were guided in by four SAS troopers on the ground.
But the Hercules from 47 Squadron at RAF Lyneham ? which is the most highly decorated unit in the air force ? was badly damaged in what was described as a ?very, very hard landing?. None of the crew or troops on board were injured and they were able to evacuate the aircraft
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