Many people have stepped outside after hearing the noise and tracking the trace of the aircraft on the popular flight-tracking app, Flight Radar 24.
United States Air Force bombers, including the B-1B Lancer, known to plane enthusiasts as ‘The Bone’ and the B-52H Stratofortress, have been flying frequently from RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire and RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk. Their routes often take them directly over Cornwall as they climb, hold, or prepare for refuelling before heading out over the Atlantic.
Earlier this month, the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, decided to allow the United States to use RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire for “specific defensive operations to prevent Iran firing missiles into the region.”
According to Air & Space Forces Magazine: “Three additional B-1B Lancers arrived at RAF Fairford on March 26, bringing the total number of bombers stationed at the U.K. base to 21 – one of the largest bomber deployments in recent history.
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“There are now some 15 B-1B and six B-52H aircraft stationed at the base, located in southwest Britain, according to local spotters, air traffic control communications, and flight-tracking data. The 15 B-1s in particular represent a third of the entire Lancer fleet left in service.”
Social media and local groups have been filled with questions and sightings of the aircraft. One resident asked: “Any idea what went over West Cornwall just now? Super loud and not on FR24 (Flight Radar 24) or ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast).” Another replied: “Above Hayle. A B-1 Lancer.”
Others reported similar experiences. One person said: “B-1B’s are in a holding pattern in the air refuelling area awaiting further instructions,” while another added: “B1 – saw three of them.”
Some aviation enthusiasts believe the refuelling seen over Cornwall is taking place as the aircraft return from long‑range missions. Because bombers depart RAF Fairford heavily loaded, they cannot take on full fuel before take‑off due to weight limits.
Instead, they fly their missions, complete their tasks abroad, and then return to the UK, where they meet tankers over the sea off Cornwall.
A spokesperson for the United States Air Force told the Packet: “US Air Forces in Europe operating locations, including our locations in the UK, routinely host transient US military aircraft (and personnel) in accordance with access, basing, and overflight agreements with allies and partners.
“In order to protect our operational security, we will not discuss specifics regarding ongoing or future operations.”
