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B-52 crash raises worries about Air Force's legendary wor
Los Angeles Times • • nation
Key Points:
- A B-52 bomber crashed shortly after takeoff during a routine test mission at Edwards Air Force Base on Monday, killing eight people, including two Boeing employees, with the cause of the crash still under investigation.
- The crash occurred amid ongoing efforts to upgrade the aging B-52 fleet, including new engines and radar systems, as part of a radar modernization program at Edwards Air Force Base.
- The B-52, in service for over 70 years, is a key component of the U.S. Air Force’s strategic bomber force and has undergone numerous modifications to extend its operational life and capabilities.
- Despite its age, the B-52 remains vital due to its large payload capacity, long range, and adaptability, but experts highlight the need for more consistent military funding to eventually replace the aging airframes.
- The crash is a rare incident for the B-52, which has maintained a strong safety record over decades, with previous fatal crashes occurring in 1982 and 2016.
