Posted: 5th November 2024
Gloucestershire Live 10:06, 5 NOV 2024
The massive American bombers are understood to be heading to Europ
Rumours are growing that a deployment of American B52 bombers are due to arrive at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire in the coming days. It follows comments from the United States Air Force that a Bomber Task Force-Europe is about to start.
The USAF said strategic bombers will be flying from the United States to what it describes as the US European Command area of responsibility. Previous deployments have seen the huge B52 Stratofortess bombers landing at the Cotswolds air base.
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.”
Aircraft enthusiasts’ Facebook groups have been buzzing ahead of the anticipated arrival of what is believed to be four B52s. Aircraft movements at RAF Fairford have also been described as being in advance of a Bomber Task Force deployment.
On Friday, a C17A Globemaster from the USA arrived at RAF Fairford. There are also reports that more military support crew and equipment is flying into the base.
Fairford operates jointly as one of the USAF’s European air bases. Iconic B-52 Stratofortress planes have been regular visitors to the Cotswolds base in recent years.
It was back in June that B52s were last in the county. They were stationed at RAF Fairford for Bomber Task Force 24-3.
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 1952. Its name origin is simple – the ‘B’ in its name stands for bomber, and its first flight was made in 1952.