He added that it would take "a couple of days" for all the planes to depart RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, western England, and return to US bases in Minot, North Dakota, and Barksdale, Louisiana.

Fourteen of the eight-engined planes have been based at Fairford since the beginning of March and flew more than 100 missions to the Gulf during the military campaign.

The bombers made daily sorties out to Iraq, about 5,000 kilometersmiles) or six hours' flying time from Fairford.

The base was the focus for anti-war protesters and several demonstrations during the conflict.

SPACE.WIRE