US bomber declares emergency as it returns to base
A US Air Force (USAF) bomber was forced to declare a “state of emergency” while returning to a base in the west of England this morning.
The B-52H Stratofortress departed RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire on Monday evening and issued code 7700 as it returned shortly after 0900 GMT on Tuesday.
7700 is a universal code given by pilots to notify air traffic controllers that the aircraft is in distress.
The cause of the distress signal has not been confirmed and the USAF has been approached for comment.
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Flight observers believe 7700 was issued due to loss of cabin pressure while the aircraft was flying over the Solent.
The aircraft was seen circling just east of Southampton at approximately 10,000 feet before beginning a steady descent.
The UK government announced on March 1 that it had agreed to grant the permit. British military bases It will be used for “defensive” attacks on Iran’s missile sites.
Due to its long runway, RAF Fairford is capable of hosting all three types of USAF long-range bombers (B-1, B-2 and B-52).
Protective screens have been installed to prevent people from entering the base [BBC]
The B-52 has been used by the USAF since the 1950s, and the B52H model is known for its massive missile carrying capacity of over 30 tons and its longevity.
The majority of the USAF’s B52Hs were delivered in the 1960s and are expected to be operational by the 2050s, according to manufacturer Boeing.
The arrival of USAF bombers at RAF Fairford attracted crowds of aircraft enthusiasts to the area.
Jurgan van Toor was among the group that traveled from the Netherlands to see the plane.
He told the BBC: “For me personally the reason for the war was it was a bit dangerous, I don’t think it was necessary, but we’re here for the plane and it’s nice to see that.”
People living in the nearby village of Down Ampney say: the noise of bombers The takeoff is so loud it causes houses to shake and car alarms to go off.
But they’ve also been good for business.
Cafe owner Rob Broadbent said: “There has been a very obvious increase in business, especially the soldiers on base have all been so helpful, friendly and polite.”
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