The visiting strategic bombers of the USAF in June 2023 were Rockwell B-1B Lancers. This was my first visit to RAF Fairford to see operational aircraft rather than visiting for the Air Tattoo.
08:41
I had an early start and once I reached the perimeter I drove around the base looking for somewhere to park. I was surprised that I there no other cars parked anywhere along the road. I turned back after passing the base entrance an re-traced my steps. I parked at the entrance to a field past the quarry being careful not obstruct the gate.
09:31 RAF A400
This was the first aircraft of the day, and RAF A400 overflying Fairford.
09:51 RAF Hercules
Shortly after an RAF Hercules flew over.
This is where I parked
Later in the morning I was joined by another “spotter” and chatting did relieve the boredom. An occasional car passed us and drove in the field and then turned around before moving off.
The road we were parked next to was full of potholes and the trucks coming out of the quarry came very close to us as they avoided the potholes!
At dispersal
After lunch my companion suggested that we moved to the dispersal area to see the B-1Bs. I followed him and after a row of cottages we came to a cul-de-sac with more cars and people watching the planes.
I may not have seen the B-1B’s flying but I did get to see them before I left.