The Mach Loop (also known as the Machynlleth Loop, Welsh: Dolen Mach) is a series of valleys in the United Kingdom in west-central Wales, notable for their use as low-level training areas for fast aircraft. The system of valleys lies 13 km (8 mi) east of Barmouth between the towns of Dolgellau to the north and Machynlleth to the south, from the latter of which it takes its name. The training area is part of the United Kingdom Low Flying System and lies within Low Flying Area 7 (LFA7), which covers all of Wales.[1]
In December 2018 a recommendation was circulated within the Ministry of Defence (MoD) which resulted in a reduction in the number of aircraft using the Mach Loop. Since this time RAF frontline squadrons operating the Typhoon has not flown the Loop. In addition to this all non-UK based aircraft are also prohibited from using the Loop unless part of a UK exercise.[4]
Photography
The Mach Loop is among the few places in the world where photographers can see combat aircraft flying below them.[5] One popular viewing point is the carpark located on the site of Llyn y Tri Greyenyn.
In virtual aviation
It is possible to fly the Mach Loop using a flight simulator. Arguably[according to whom?] the most accurate representation is with Microsoft'sFlight Simulator platform, launched in 2020. The simulator streams Bing Maps data to reproduce the contours and appearance of the loop and surrounding countryside with an increasing range of jet aircraft available to make the flight.[citation needed]
An alternative is the FlightGear flight simulator, created by the FGUK community as an add-on for the simulator, which provides the player with the challenge of guiding aircraft at high speed through rings that mark the route. In addition, the scenario has "start" and "finish" points, and each run in the Mach Loop is timed to let the player know the time per lap.[6][7]
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