Some of the largest planes in the US Air Force are being seen and heard in the skies of Gloucestershire. 

Yesterday, Thursday, several B-52 bomber planes arrived in the UK from the US.

And many of these arrived at RAF Fairford.

According to the UK Defence Journal, RAF Fairford is currently a NATO standby airfield shared with the United States Air Force, and therefore not in everyday use.

The first planes arrived yesterday, Thursday, morning.

Earlier this year, the US Air Force planes were stationed at RAF Fairford, which operates jointly as one of the USAF's European air bases, during the response to the war in Ukraine.

The aircraft also conducted routine training with European air forces.

According to the US Air Force, the B-52H Stratofortress is a long-range, heavy bomber that can perform a variety of missions.

The bomber is capable of flying at high subsonic speeds at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet (15,166.6 meters).

It can carry nuclear or precision-guided conventional ordnance with worldwide precision navigation capability.

In a conventional conflict, the B-52 can perform strategic attack, close-air support, air interdiction, offensive counter-air and maritime operations.

Earlier this week, a US Air Force Osprey plane was spotted soaring over Wiltshire as it flew from Ely in East Cambridgeshire down towards Cornwall.

The Osprey is originally stationed in Maidenhall.

Despite its status as a Royal Air Force station, it Mildenhall primarily supports United States Air Force operations and is currently the home of the 100th Air Refueling Wing.