The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress, the United States’ flagship strategic bomber, crashed and killed eight crew members after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base, northeast of Los Angeles, California.
The crash, which occurred on Monday (15), left a huge column of black smoke at the air base, located in the Mojave Desert.
The B-52 Stratofortress was on a routine test mission, officials said, and “initial indications are that it was not possible.”
This military aircraft was manufactured in 1961, and has participated in all American wars since Vietnam, such as Iraq, Syria and this year.
Although it is decades older than its current crew, this model remains the cornerstone of the U.S. bomber fleet, sending an important message to American allies and adversaries.
According to the US Air Force, this type of bomber is capable of flying at high subsonic speeds at a height of more than 15 thousand meters. It typically carries a crew of five, and can carry up to 31,750 kg of bombs and other munitions.
The aircraft is also capable of carrying nuclear weapons, in addition to having navigation capabilities.
The current version in operation, the B-52H, still plays an important role in the Air Force’s arsenal, which includes 76 of these aircraft.
The US Air Force often uses Edwards Base in California to conduct aerospace tests due to the open, desert landscape.
Boeing delivered the first aircraft for a B-52 Radar Modernization Program test in December 2025.
The US Air Force plans to operate B-52s until 2050.
