GIANT AMERICANS EARLY TO ARRIVE
A PAIR of giant American B-52 bombers have made their traditional long-distance flight to RAF Fairford, touching down this morning in preparation for the Royal International Air Tattoo this weekend.
The eight-engined Boeings, delivered to the United States Air Force during the 1960s, flew through the night over the Atlantic from their bases in Louisana and North Dakota to touch down at the Gloucestershire airfield early today.
Hundreds of enthusiasts braved the wet weather to see the B-52s touch down in turn, one putting on a show for the fans with a fly-past over the two-mile runway before landing and deploying its bright-yellow braking parachute. The Air Tattoo's Park and View enclosures opened to ticket-holders this morning and were already filling up as the American visitors emerged through the cloud.
The long-winged B-52s are among the first of 40 aircraft expected to arrive at the show today. One will be on static display while the other will take part in the eight hours-plus of flying planned for each day.
The Royal International Air Tattoo is staged annually in support of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust which, in turn, awards grants in support of the RAF family, including serving personnel and Air Cadets. Since it was established in January 2005, the Trustees have awarded over £1.3 million to a wide range of projects and initiatives.
Tickets for the show are still available from branches of Barclays Bank, Tourist Information Centres, Little Chef restaurants in Cirencester, Burford and Buckland (Faringdon), Londis in Fairford & Lechlade, Fairford Post Office, Thamesdown Transport at Swindon Bus Station, and First Great Western (when purchasing a combined Admission, Train and Bus Ticket). For further information please CLICK HERE