US bomber declares emergency as it returns to base
BBCA US Air Force (USAF) bomber was forced to declare an "emergency" this morning while travelling back to a base in the west of England.
The B-52H Stratofortress departed from RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire on Monday evening, and issued a 7700 code as it returned shortly after 09:00 GMT on Tuesday.
A 7700 is a universal code issued by pilots to let air traffic controllers know the aircraft is in distress.
The reason for the distress signal has not been confirmed, and the USAF has been approached for comment.
Flight spotters believe the 7700 was issued due to a loss of cabin pressure while the aircraft was flying over the Solent.
The aircraft was seen circling at approximately 10,000 feet just east of Southampton before beginning a steady descent.
The UK government announced on 1 March that it has agreed to allow British military bases to be used for "defensive" strikes on Iranian missile sites.
Due to its long runway, RAF Fairford is capable of hosting all three kinds of long-range bombers in the USAF - the B-1, B-2 and the B-52.
The B-52 has been used by the USAF since the 1950s, and the variant B52H is known for its ability to carry a huge payload of missiles - in excess of 30 tonnes - and its longevity.
According to manufacturer Boeing, the majority of the USAF's B52H were delivered in the 1960s, and are expected to operate into the 2050s.
The arrival of the USAF bombers at RAF Fairford has drawn crowds of plane enthusiasts to the area.
Jurgan van Toor was among a group that travelled all the way from the Netherlands to see the aircraft.
He told the BBC: "For me personally the cause of the war was a bit dodgy, I don't think it was necessary, but we are here for the aircraft and that's beautiful to see."
People living in nearby village of Down Ampney say the noise of the bombers taking off is so loud it causes houses to shake and sets off car alarms.
But they have also been good for business.
Cafe owner Rob Broadbent said: "There's been a very obvious uptick in business, particularly from the servicemen from the base - all of which have been very accommodating, friendly and polite."
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