US Air Force B-52 Bomber Crashes After Takeoff
A US Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base in southern California, according to a statement from the base.
The incident took place at 11:20 local time (19:20 GMT). The base has not released information regarding any injuries resulting from the crash, which produced a large plume of black smoke visible for miles.
"Emergency crews immediately responded to the scene and the situation is ongoing. More information will be provided as it becomes available."
Details About the B-52 Stratofortress
The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress has been in service with the US military since the 1950s. It is commonly referred to as "the Buff," a nickname derived from "Big Ugly Fat."
Aerial footage captured the crash site, revealing a charred and smoking landscape.
The B-52 is a long-range strategic bomber that has recently been involved in bombing raids on Iran amid the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with the country.
Capable of flying at altitudes up to 50,000 feet—higher than commercial airliners that typically fly around 35,000 feet—the bomber can carry a payload of 70,000 pounds. This payload may include hundreds of conventional bombs and up to 32 nuclear cruise missiles.
The aircraft can refuel mid-air, granting it an effectively unlimited strike range. During the Cold War, this capability contributed to the United States' "nuclear umbrella" strategy under the doctrine of Mutually Assured Destruction.
The B-52 typically operates with a crew of five: an aircraft commander, pilot, radar navigator, navigator, and electronic warfare officer.
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