Three Northrop-Grumman B2 Spirits are currently at the Fairford air base in Gloucestershire.
Aviation fans may still get a chance to see one of the world’s most secretive planes because it looks like the United States Air Force’s Stealth Bombers are here to stay for a while yet.
Three B2 Spirits landed at RAF Fairford in the early hours of Tuesday for a ‘secret mission’.
The full details will be revealed at a press conference on Friday but the US Air Force has hinted the distinctive bat-winged aircraft may be staying in the county for some time.
It comes as plane fans have been gathering at the airbase for a glimpse of the planes and the equally rare U2 spy plane which is also a temporary resident in the county.
Earlier today, an RAF spokesman provided a statement about B52s circling over Bishop’s Cleeve.
They said: “The United States Air Force are deploying a variety of aircraft and support personnel to RAF Fairford during August and September 2019. Whilst deployed to the UK the aircraft will conduct a series of training activities in Europe, these activities are long planned.”
What are the B2s doing?
The air aces and support staff from the 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri have been arriving at Fairford over the last week. The arrival of the three B2 Spirits under the cover of darkness was the final piece of the puzzle.
It seems the planes and crew are here for a short deployment to show American strength and to support NATO and its partners in Europe.
RAF Fairford has long been an important strategic base for American forces. During the last B2 deployment the planes were involved in bombing raids in the Middle East.
Although America is not engaged in any direct military at this time, the deployment of strategic bombers to Gloucestershire helps exercise RAF Fairford as a forward operating base for the unit, ensuring they are engaged,m and ready with credible force to assure, deter and defend the America and its allies.
Story taken from: https://www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk/
