B-1 bombers owned by the US Air Force have arrived at RAF Fairford.
The 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, usually stationed at Dyess Air Force Base in Texas, touched down in Gloucestershire yesterday (Wednesday), complete with two B-1B Lancers - or 'Bones' as they are also known.
The squadron has arrived in the UK to train with allies as part of Bomber Task Force Europe operations.
The @usairforce B-1B Lancers 🇺🇸 landed on @RoyalAirForce base Fairford.
— NATO Air Command (@NATO_AIRCOM) October 7, 2021
Allied and Partner jets regularly fly with bomber crews during their European training to rehearse in-flight communications and strengthen multinational relationships.
Read more: https://t.co/mlnvxwXyEu pic.twitter.com/zrUU30t6iY
Another two B-1s have since landed and aviation enthusiasts have flocked to Fairford over the last couple of days, hoping to catch a glimpse of the striking aircraft.
Among the photographers in the right place at the right time was David Bown, whose photos of Remus 1 B1 86-0110 and Remus 2 B1 86-0140 with Desperados on the tail you can see at the top of this article.
"After a three hour drive each way for me and an overnight stay the outcome was awesome!" he posted on the Fairford Spotters Facebook page.
"It did not disappoint at all, fantastic sight! It also seemed like they put on a show for us all!
They certainly drew a crowd along Whelford Rd!
"Also the B-1s must be the most photogenic plane ever made?
"Can you take a bad image of this plane?"
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here