Retweeted by @hey_itsmyturn from @DefenceGeek:
Bomber Missions 45 & 46 - Utter confusion! #FreeIran
--- Operation EPIC FURY ---
Due in part I suspect to clocks changing to BST in the UK, and the fact that folks were rather keen to go see A-10s arrive in the UK and F-22s depart, I've had various and confusing reports regarding B-1 launches from RAF Fairford (EGVA) yesterday. A pair of B-1s did depart at around 0900 BST as SPHINX flt and supposedly a second pair departed an hour later as BIGGS flt. While the bombers for SPHINX flt were identified, I've yet to find anyone who can ID the BIGGS flt jets - and a lot of spotters seem to think SPHINX flt was actually BIGGS flt.
To confuse further, it's unclear if one of these 2-4 bombers then had an issue during the mission and asked to divert into Sigonella, or if the previous day's returning bombers "RAGGY" flt are the ones that have reportedly been denied landing at Sigonella in Italy (news which was officially confirmed this morning).
In short, the locals tells me that there were definitely 2 separate departures, but beyond that I've struggled to piece together anything else concrete - so good job the B-2s on Mission 47 were en-route at the same time eh!
CONFIRMED:
B-1B "SPHINX17" 86-0121 #AE6BFB "Symphony of Destruction"
B-1B "SPHINX18" 86-0129 #AE6C02 "Black Widow"
KC-135T "BLUE61" 58-0095 #AE04FD (From EGUN)
KC-135R "BLUE62" 59-1475 #AE04C4 (From EGUN)
KC-135R "BLUE63" 62-3540 #AE0669 (From EGUN)
Unable to definitively confirm further
If you are local to RAF Fairford and have any further information to help us, please reach out to myself or the MATA via DMs!!
@MATA_osint @ArmchairAdml @Andyyyyrrrr @AUX_OSINT @Saint1Mil @vcdgf555 @steffanwatkins