B52S TO HIT WITHIN HOUR A wave of B-52 bombers is set to hit Iraq within the hour, according to reports. Eleven of the giant warplanes took off from RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire, this morning. The plane has been in service with the United States Air Force since 1955. It established its fearful reputation with carpet bombing raids during the Vietnam War. More recently, it has seen service in Afghanistan, Kosovo and Yugoslavia.