A United States Air Force (USAF) bomber was forced to declare a “state of emergency” this morning as it returned to a base in west England.
The B-52H Stratofortress took off from RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire on Monday evening and issued code 7700 when it returned shortly after 09:00 GMT on Tuesday.
7700 is a common code issued by pilots to let air traffic controllers know that the aircraft is in danger.
The reason for the distress call has not been confirmed and the U.S. Air Force has been contacted for comment.
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Flight observers believe the 7700 was caused by a loss of cabin pressure as the aircraft flew across the Solent.
The plane was seen hovering at about 10,000 feet east of Southampton before beginning a steady descent.
The British government announced on March 1 that it had agreed to allow British military bases to be used for “defensive” strikes against Iranian missile bases.
Due to its long runway, RAF Fairford is capable of landing all three of the United States Air Force’s long-range bombers: the B-1, B-2 and B-52.
Protective screens have been installed to prevent people from seeing inside the base [BBC]
The B-52 has been used by the United States Air Force since the 1950s, and its variant, the B52H, is known for its ability to carry a huge missile payload of more than 30 tons and its long service life.
Most of the U.S. Air Force’s B52Hs were delivered in the 1960s and are expected to remain in service until the 2050s, according to manufacturer Boeing.
The arrival of US Air Force bombers at RAF Fairford has attracted a large number of aircraft enthusiasts to the area.
Jurgan van Toor was among a group of people who traveled from the Netherlands to see the plane.
He told the BBC: “Personally, the cause of the war was a bit tricky and I didn’t think it was necessary, but we are here for the planes and it’s beautiful.”
People living in the nearby village of Downampney said the noise made by the bombers as they took off was so loud that it shook their houses and set off car alarms.
But they’re also good for business.
Cafe owner Rob Broadbent said: “There has been a very noticeable increase in business, especially from the military personnel from the base, who have been very helpful, friendly and polite.”
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