'Desert Storm' Buffs

[bigcrow]

Seeing we have an imminent arrival of Buffs at Fairford, I thought It would be good to share these from my archives all taken 31 years ago.

All from 'Operation Desert Storm' February 1991, the last a very spirited take-off on the first active mission to Iraq, pretty scary considering there was live ordinance under the wings.

#1

58-0213 B-52G 806th BW(P) RAF Fairford 15-2-91 by Stuart Freer - Touchdown Aviation, on Flickr

#2

58-0182 B-52G 379 BW, 806th BW(P) RAF Fairford 6-2-91 by Stuart Freer - Touchdown Aviation, on Flickr

#3

58-0247 B-52G 379 BW, 806th BW(P) RAF Fairford 6-2-91 by Stuart Freer - Touchdown Aviation, on Flickr

#4

58-0231 B-52G 416th BW, 806th BW(P) RAF Fairford 6-2-91 by Stuart Freer - Touchdown Aviation, on Flickr

#5

58-0168 B-52G 379 BW, 806th BW(P) RAF Fairford 6-2-91 by Stuart Freer - Touchdown Aviation, on Flickr

#6

58-0204 B-52G 379 BW, 806th BW(P) RAF Fairford 6-2-91 by Stuart Freer - Touchdown Aviation, on Flickr

#7

58-0231 B-52G 416th BW, 806th BW(P) RAF Fairford 6-2-91 by Stuart Freer - Touchdown Aviation, on Flickr

#8

B-52G 806 BW(P) RAF Fairford 9-2-91 by Stuart Freer - Touchdown Aviation, on Flickr

[F3]

These are just so evocative of that period (for those of us old enough to remember). That last one must vie with the famous 'Swashbuckler' t/o @ the '90 Air Fete as the hairiest ever BUFF take - off! However I also like the 1st. one with the piles of snow in the f/ground.

[Mustang531]

Thanks for sharing these, I was one of many who ventured down to see them. Love that last shot!

[paddyboy]

Superb set, Stuart

As Mick says, Swashbuckler’s takeoff will never be forgotten by those of us who witnessed it

That last shot is a stunner

Thanks for posting

Paddyboy

[raptor9]

Oh, yes. Randy Rushworth. What a display THAT was!!!. Must have rippled the skin more than somewhat!!.

[Leardriver]

Super set of shots. That last one is a beaut. I have seen pretty much every Buff deployment to the UK in the last 45 years but hardly
took any photos which I really regret. So these are great memory joggers. Thanks for posting.

[thebigtwix]

Great shots! I was living in Swindon during the 2003 campaign and the rumble was something never forgotten!

[Blackcat1]

Cracking last shot!