Programs and Events 2009
U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress conducting a flyover above Tallinn. (Photo by Peter Campolongo)
During the week of July 13th, Tallinn welcomed separate visits of two of the most well-known and reliable aircraft currently operating in today’s U.S. Air Force.
On July 14th, a U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules carried out an aid delivery exercise at Nurmsi Airfield, and then continued on to Tallinn, landing at the Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport. The C-130 and its crew were taking part in a two-day NATO exercise known as the Baltic Regional Training Event III. On July 17th, a U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress, conducted a flyover of the Ämari Airfield, before continuing on to Tallinn, where the plane and its crew carried out another flyover in the clear skies above Tallinn. The B-52 was accompanied by three Czech Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets, and the event was held to recognize the 90th anniversary of the Estonian Air Force.
Both the C-130 Hercules and the B-52 Stratofortress are two of the longest-serving and most reliable aircraft in the U.S. Air Force inventory. The B-52 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 up to 50,000 feet (15,166.6 meters). It can carry nuclear or precision guided conventional ordnance with worldwide precision navigation capability. The C-130 Hercules primarily performs the tactical portion of the airlift mission. The aircraft is capable of operating from rough, dirt strips and is the prime transport for air dropping troops and equipment into hostile areas.
More information on these aircraft may be found at the links below: