What is the B-52 Bomber? Everything to know about the aircraft that crashed in California

The B-52 Stratofortress, a long-serving strategic bomber, crashed shortly after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base in California, killing all eight crew members aboard. The B-52 has been in service since 1955 and remains a central component of the USAF’s bomber fleet, capable of conventional and nuclear missions. The crash is the deadliest B-52 incident since 1982. The aircraft features a 185-foot wingspan, a maximum takeoff weight of 219,600 kg, and a payload capacity of 31,500 kg, with a top speed of about 650 mph. Ongoing upgrades include replacing TF33 engines with Rolls-Royce F130 engines to improve fuel efficiency by roughly 30%.