Two huge B-52 bombers have landed at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, according to reports. USAF long-range bombers had been rumoured to be here on Thursday, but aircraft enthusiasts have said one arrived this afternoon followed by a second. (Monday, May 20).

It became understood during this morning that two of the Stratofortress from the United States Air Force will be landing today. One was seen flying in over Malvern before landing while the other one was seen on maps over the North Sea and Norway.

Reports suggest the planes departed Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota and refuelled using a KC-135 Stratotanker over Canada on their journey towards the Cotswolds base. The call-signs are understood to be Grout 11 and Grout 12 and the deployment has been linked to a Bomber Task Force Mission, these are regularly pre-planned to act as training and a deterrent.

Updates below and more confirmation as we get it.

Phil Norris

B52 lands - what a sight

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Phil Norris

Groat11 lands

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Phil Norris

What we know about B52s

Sometimes known as a BUFF (Big Ugly Fat Fella), the US Air Force bomber is one of the oldest models in duty, having made its first flight just shy of 70 years ago in 1952. Its name origin is simple - the 'B' in its name stands for bomber, and its first flight was made in 1952.

The Boeing website states that the jet "primarily provides the United States with immediate nuclear and conventional global strike capability".

See our full rundown on the US bombers here.

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