Impressive Video Shows USAF Heavies (C-17, C-5 and B-52) Taking Off on A Foggy Day at RAF Fairford

Taken on Oct. 24, 2019 the impressive video in this post features USAF heavies, C-17, C-5 and B-52 departing on a foggy day from RAF Fairford, England.

Taken on Oct. 24, 2019 the impressive video in this post features USAF heavies, C-17, C-5 and B-52 departing on a foggy day from RAF Fairford, England.

Airmen and B-52H Stratofortress aircraft from the 2nd Bomb Wing, Barksdale Air Force Base, La., are currently deployed to RAF Fairford to conduct training in a joint environment with allies and partners during this Bomber Task Force (BTF) rotation. 

This deployment enhances global stability and security while enabling units to become familiar with the U.S. Air Forces Europe – U.S. Air Forces Africa area of responsibility.

Furthermore, this deployment will exercise Air Force Global Strike Command’s ability to conduct bomber operations from a forward operating location in support of U.S. Air Forces Europe and U.S. European Command (EUCOM) mission objectives.

The C-17 Globemaster III and the C-5M Super Galaxy are the most flexible cargo aircraft in the USAF arsenal. They are capable of rapid strategic delivery of troops and all types of cargo to main operating bases or directly to forward bases in the deployment area. The aircraft can perform tactical airlift and airdrop missions and can transport litters and ambulatory patients during aeromedical evacuations. The inherent flexibility and performance of the C-17 and C-5 aircraft improve the ability of the total airlift system to fulfill the worldwide air mobility requirements of the United States.

The ultimate measure of airlift effectiveness is the ability to rapidly project and sustain an effective combat force close to a potential battle area. Threats to U.S. interests have changed in recent years, and the size and weight of U.S.-mechanized firepower and equipment have grown in response to improved capabilities of potential adversaries. This trend has significantly increased air mobility requirements, particularly in the area of large or heavy outsize cargo. The C-17 and C-5 are capable of meeting today’s demanding airlift missions.