NOTAM 26/08/2019 - B-2s DEATH 11/12/13 Arrive

[Pune]

They won't be returning to Fairford after their hot pit.

Hi Guys,
Is this all fact or guess work, just asking?
Cheers

Mine is Guesswork based on factual Whiteman Notam, Dodgy Calc's & a Hunch!.... MRTT is rarely wrong in these matters? I'm not going to bother for the U2, get sunburnt though the day, just to imagine what I'm missing later in the dark.
Just out of interest, where could I buy NVG's on a Bank Holiday?

Thanks Supra, don't think I'll bother with 90 mile round trip today.
Try ebay

[FFDspotter]

They won't be returning to Fairford after their hot pit.

Hi Guys,
Is this all fact or guess work, just asking?
Cheers

Mine is Guesswork based on factual Whiteman Notam, Dodgy Calc's & a Hunch!.... MRTT is rarely wrong in these matters? I'm not going to bother for the U2, get sunburnt though the day, just to imagine what I'm missing later in the dark.
Just out of interest, where could I buy NVG's on a Bank Holiday?

When u saying they may not return after hot pit, is that implying they not returning today or simply they won’t come back to Fairford during the next few weeks? Seems like a lot of equipment and personel in place for one hot pit / one day operation?

[sabrejet]

I recall in 2017 they did a hot refuel; departed late and came back about 4am the next day. Anyone's guess.

Meanwhile is the Dragon confirmed 1500L?

[Seacat192]

Zack, I may be wrong here, but I think they meant that the expected arrivals go back to the US after their hot pit, rather than head out and return to Fairford after so many hours in the air.

[FFDspotter]

Zack, I may be wrong here, but I think they meant that the expected arrivals go back to the US after their hot pit, rather than head out and return to Fairford after so many hours in the air.

Oh ok, see what ur getting at there

[Supra]

MRTT is never wrong! He knows you know!

He may be feeling a bit Cornish (Guy) but he's a clever lad!

Soooo, can we expect a timely heads-up from the 'Sage of Plane Tracking' before they return?

[Scuba 11]

Now 1518 local

[Andrew45]

Now 1518 local

East or Westbound?

[Scuba 11]

Westbound

[Supra]

Zack, I may be wrong here, but I think they meant that the expected arrivals go back to the US after their hot pit, rather than head out and return to Fairford after so many hours in the air.

Refuelled & a fresh crew it's more likely (IMO) they continue further east to fly a potentially useful profile that could be used in the future.
They can & do regularly fly Whiteman- Europe- Whiteman without intermediate landings, relying on a/a refuelling & crew-rest. Often referred to as a 'Global Airpower Mission'
After all, you might reasonably expect their first (of many?) missions to utilise something of the tonnes of equipment, supplies & multiple personnel flown into Fairford over the last week or so. Also, worth noting that Fairford has the capacity to fulfil a B2 turnaround at all times 24/7 without the recent influx of support

[Seacat192]

Thanks for the further info

[Seacat192]

Dragon 22 due 1500

Dragon 22 on 275.625

[stevef]

Dragon 22 working 275.625 14:32
Steve

[MRTT]

I Googled B2 flight time from Whiteman AFB. MO. & it says they could say, but then have to shoot me! So based upon a 747 Chicago direct LHR (circa. 7.5 hours) & the earliest the B2/s 'could' launch is UTC minus 6 hours, I see the following....
Depart Whiteman at 12:00 UTC (13:00 BST) Plus 7.5 hrs direct flight gives ETA of 19:30 UTC (20:30 BST) = DARK! Happy to be corrected as 'Sums' wasn't my best subject?
'Then refuel on the ground, change crews & t/o earliest 21:30L & land before 00:45L' .... NOT going to happen IMO!

They won't be returning to Fairford after their hot pit.

Hi Guys,
Is this all fact or guess work, just asking?
Cheers

Mine was merely guess work, based on mention of a hot pit. Could be completely wrong!

[SamP]

Dragon 22 looking for initial descent.

Cleared down to FL500 and changing to 252.875

Dragon 22 up on 252.875 cleared down to FL450

22 down to FL400. After ‘Keypad’ left turn to Fairford

Obviously I know that waypoint is wrong but it’s what it sounded like

Left 190 Dragon 22

Down to FL110 direct Fairford

[dicanio]

KEPAD is between Birmingham and Liverpool, very roughly in the Shawbury area.

DC

[nitro999]

80-1070

[rogersmith44]

Thanks for the heads up guys, much appreciated.

[thevulcan]

Any further news on any Whiteman activity?

[kvanos]

SPUR72/81/82 airborne, don't know if they'll refuel the B-2s.