Free Republic

BBC News was broadcasting the take-off from the B-52's from RAF Fairford.

A wave of B-52 bombers are set to hit Iraq within the hour, according to reports. Eleven of the giant warplanes took off from RAF Fairford, in Gloucestershire shortly earlier. 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.

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.

American B-52 bombers have begun arriving in Britain, as Iraq claims six civilians were killed and 15 others injured in the latest round of US and British air raids inside the no-fly zone. The last time the bombers were stationed on British soil was for the attacks on Yugoslavia four years ago. Once again the long-range B-52s are based at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. The first of the huge jets landed just before noon on Monday. About an hour earlier, what appeared to be a U-2 spy plane had taken off. Two transporters aircraft are also at the base. British...