Yahoo News More USAF B52s land at RAF Fairford as part of huge training mission in European theatre of war
Another two B52 bombers have landed at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, bringing the total number at the base to four. Two of the United States Air Force aircraft arrived on Tuesday (November 6) with the third arriving yesterday, Thursday, and a fourth today (Friday).
Four of the strategic bombers had been expected at the Cotswolds base, but there was surprise at how their arrival was spaced out. It's part of a deployment in support of a Bomber Task Force-Europe mission.
A B52 codenamed Flux 12 was the first to arrive at around 12.50pm on Tuesday followed a few hours later by Flux 11 at 4.40pm - both landing amid overcast weather. The third, Rope 32, arrived at around 2.30pm on Thursday, and the fourth earlier this morning.
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While the rumour mill had been speculating that four B52s were due to fly into RAF Fairford, the arrival of the first two Stratofortress bombers on Tuesday caught plane enthusiasts on the hop. It is understood that the first B52 to arrive at the Cotswolds base from Air Force Base Barksdale in Louisiana did so as a result of not being able to refuel while the second B52 had been reported to have landed with a technical issue.
One of the bombers, Flux 11, is understood to have flown a mission with the Finnish Air Force over Finland before landing at RAF Fairford. The planes' arrival in Gloucestershire comes as part of the USAF's regular rotation of its aircraft to the 'European theatre', acting as a show of the US and NATO's military strength and as deterrent to enemies.
In a statement, the USAF said: "The long-planned deployment is slated to kick-off with the U.S. Air Force bombers flying on a pre-filed flight plan through international airspace and with the appropriate diplomatic clearances in place for times when aircraft are transiting through a sovereign nation’s airspace. During the deployment, U.S. bomber aircrews will train and operate alongside NATO Allies and partners for several weeks demonstrating the U.S. commitment to global security and stability."
Sometimes known as a BUFF (Big Ugly Fat Fella), the US Air Force bomber is one of the oldest models in duty, having made its first flight 72 years ago. Its name origin is simple - the 'B' in its name stands for bomber, and its first flight was made in 1952.
The Boeing website states that the jet "primarily provides the United States with immediate nuclear and conventional global strike capability". Having served in the Vietnam and Gulf wars, the operational history of the B-52 is vast.
The latest model, the B52H, are based across two air bases, Minot, North Dakota and Barksdale, Louisiana with an additional one at Edwards Air Force Base and Dryden Flight Research Centre. Three of the bombers are currently based at RAF Fairford, with the Cotswold airfield one of the USAF's few UK airbases.
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