Real time eventuality Fairford.

[09andrew]

Does anyone know how many bombers could the USAF operate from Fairford if it did really hit the fan??

[johnwayne]

Andrew I reckon there's around 30 bomber dispersals on the south side plus 10 northside excluding other ramp space - so I'd say 40 a/c is a reasonable estimate . During the Kosovo campaign there was around half this number on base comprising 14 B52's and 6 B1's but my figures are approximate . I'm sure some 'buff' has some more precise numbers but this should give you a guide .

[page_verify]

More than enough that they'd know what to do with is probably the answer! Recently history suggests just over a dozen is enough to be annoying with though.

[mushbuster]

RIAT P&V west overlooks parking spot 60 which is the one by the Marston Meysey crash gate. You can tell as much as it has "60" painted in big numbers on the yellow lead in line, the marking is visible from outside the wire when on a step ladder taking photos close to the crash gate. If you look on Bing maps birds eye view (not Google maps) you can clearly see parking spot numbers marked on many of the parking bays. The numbers that can be seen would suggest 60 parking bays is correct with 16-60 south of the runway, however during RIAT some of the bays often hold 2 or more large aircraft.

[johnwayne]

Whilst I'm sure the 'Mush' is spot on with the total parking stand numbers I believe that not all parking spots are technically regar ded as or designed as bomber dispersals (size , access/egress geometry, proximity to services etc.) Apologies that since becoming officially an old codger seems I'm also developing nit picking symptoms !

[KINROTATE]

just a bit of thread creep, but what is going on with all the mud grading going on in the field at the 27 end of Fairford?

[bizfreeq]

Someone posted on here a while ago that it was quarrying and would be returned to field once finished. Not sure if that's based on fact or not though