B-52s leave UK March 22, 2003 07:57 B-52 bombers have begun taking off from RAF Fairford. Earlier today, a Greenpeace hot air balloon today dropped 500 anti-war leaflets over the base where 14 B-52 bombers were on stand-by. Greenpeace said they contacted the base, police and the Civil Aviation Authority in advance to ensure there was no risk. The leaflets highlighted the risk to the Iraqi civilians and US arms sales to Iraq.