The 1950s-designed Boeing B-52 is undergoing a USD 48.6 billion upgrade. Now the B-52J, it gains Rolls-Royce engines, AESA radar, and a 70,000-pound payload, remaining a lethal missile truck for 100 years.

The 1950s-designed Boeing B-52 is undergoing a USD 48.6 billion upgrade. Now the B-52J, it gains Rolls-Royce engines, AESA radar, and a 70,000-pound payload, remaining a lethal missile truck for 100 years.

Why the US military still trusts a bomber designed in the 1950s

The US Air Force is equipping the B-52 bomber with the advanced AN/APQ-188 AESA radar. Derived from fighter jets, this Raytheon system replaces the Cold War-era APQ-166, granting high-resolution ground mapping to keep the B-52 flying until 2050.

The US Air Force is equipping the B-52 bomber with the advanced AN/APQ-188 AESA radar. Derived from fighter jets, this Raytheon system replaces the Cold War-era APQ-166, granting high-resolution ground mapping to keep the B-52 flying until 2050.

Which radar system does the US Air Force's B-52 bomber use?

The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress carries a massive 70,000-pound payload. From nuclear cruise missiles and JDAMs to Harpoon anti-ship missiles, this USD 84 million bomber drops the widest array of US military weapons.

The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress carries a massive 70,000-pound payload. From nuclear cruise missiles and JDAMs to Harpoon anti-ship missiles, this USD 84 million bomber drops the widest array of US military weapons.

160-foot flying giant: What weapons can the B-52 bomber carry?

The B-52 bomber that crashed shortly after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base, Los Angeles, on Monday was the deadliest one involving the aircraft since 1982. All eight crew members died in the recent crash, while the previous accident killed nine crew members who were test training at the Mather Air Force Base near Sacramento. Boeing, which manufactures the plane, also had two of its employees on board the bomber.&nbsp;The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress has been in service since 1955 and is one of the few aircraft in military history to achieve over 70 years of continuous service. It is a long-range, subsonic, jet-powered strategic bomber considered the backbone of the United States Air Force's (USAF) strategic bomber force. Its crews call it the BUFF (Big Ugly Fat Fella).<h2>Specifications of B-52 bomber</h2> The B-52 is a heavy strategic bomber which is conventional and nuclear-capable. It is designed to carry five people - Aircraft Commander, Pilot, Radar Navigator, Navigator, and Electronic Warfare Officer. It has a wingspan of 185 feet, with a distinctive 35-degree sweep. The immense length of the wings leads them to sag when on the ground, so small "outrigger" wheels are placed at the ends to support them. The maximum take-off weight is 219,600 kg, and it can carry 31,500 kg of payload. It can reach speeds of 650 mph (Mach 0.84). Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-air-force-b-52-bomber-goes-down-during-takeoff-at-edwards-base-in-california-1781552673695">Eight feared dead after US Air Force B-52 bomber crashes at California's Edwards Base</a><h2>Main features of B-52 bomber</h2> The B-52 was originally designed as a high-altitude nuclear penetrator for a single catastrophic mission during the Cold War - to deliver free-fall nuclear bombs deep inside Soviet territory flying at a height of 50,000 feet. It was assumed that early radar and interceptor jets could not easily reach those altitudes. However, things changed when a high-altitude U-2 spy plane was shot down over the Soviet Union. The B-52 was then repurposed for low-altitude penetration - at just 200 to 400 feet above the ground. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dramatic-footage-captures-moment-russian-tu-22m3-bomber-crashes-in-siberia-watch-1781581377570">Dramatic footage captures moment Russian Tu-22M3 bomber crashes in Siberia</a>&nbsp;Once low-level air defences became sharper, B-52 stopped flying into enemy airspace and launched missiles from the ground from hundreds of miles away. Today, it works in tandem with fifth-generation stealth fighters like the F-35 or B-21. The latter spot targets with advanced sensors, delivers the information back to the B-52, which then releases long-range cruise missiles.<h2>B-52 will stay in service for 100 years</h2> The US Air Force plans to continue using the B-52 till the 2050s. The original, ageing TF33 engines are being replaced with modern Rolls-Royce F130 engines. This upgrade will improve fuel efficiency by roughly 30 per cent.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress bomber crashed in Los Angeles soon after take-off on Monday, killing all eight people on board. B-52 has been in service since 1955, undergoing several changes because of the developing technology. The Air Force plans to use it till 2050s.

The B-52 bomber that crashed shortly after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base, Los Angeles, on Monday was the deadliest one involving the aircraft since 1982. All eight crew members died in the recent crash, while the previous accident killed nine crew members who were test training at the Mather Air Force Base near Sacramento. Boeing, which manufactures the plane, also had two of its employees on board the bomber. The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress has been in service since 1955 and is one of the few aircraft in military history to achieve over 70 years of continuous service. It is a long-range, subsonic, jet-powered strategic bomber considered the backbone of the United States Air Force's (USAF) strategic bomber force. Its crews call it the BUFF (Big Ugly Fat Fella). Specifications of B-52 bomber The B-52 is a heavy strategic bomber which is conventional and nuclear-capable. It is designed to carry five people - Aircraft Commander, Pilot, Radar Navigator, Navigator, and Electronic Warfare Officer. It has a wingspan of 185 feet, with a distinctive 35-degree sweep. The immense length of the wings leads them to sag when on the ground, so small "outrigger" wheels are placed at the ends to support them. The maximum take-off weight is 219,600 kg, and it can carry 31,500 kg of payload. It can reach speeds of 650 mph (Mach 0.84). Also Read: Eight feared dead after US Air Force B-52 bomber crashes at California's Edwards Base Main features of B-52 bomber The B-52 was originally designed as a high-altitude nuclear penetrator for a single catastrophic mission during the Cold War - to deliver free-fall nuclear bombs deep inside Soviet territory flying at a height of 50,000 feet. It was assumed that early radar and interceptor jets could not easily reach those altitudes. However, things changed when a high-altitude U-2 spy plane was shot down over the Soviet Union. The B-52 was then repurposed for low-altitude penetration - at just 200 to 400 feet above the ground. Also Read: Dramatic footage captures moment Russian Tu-22M3 bomber crashes in Siberia Once low-level air defences became sharper, B-52 stopped flying into enemy airspace and launched missiles from the ground from hundreds of miles away. Today, it works in tandem with fifth-generation stealth fighters like the F-35 or B-21. The latter spot targets with advanced sensors, delivers the information back to the B-52, which then releases long-range cruise missiles. B-52 will stay in service for 100 years The US Air Force plans to continue using the B-52 till the 2050s. The original, ageing TF33 engines are being replaced with modern Rolls-Royce F130 engines. This upgrade will improve fuel efficiency by roughly 30 per cent.

The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress bomber crashed in Los Angeles soon after take-off on Monday, killing all eight people on board. B-52 has been in service since 1955, undergoing several changes because of the developing technology. The Air Force plans to use it till 2050s.

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

Eight people are feared dead after a B-52 bomber crashed shortly after taking off in California on Monday, according to officials at the US Air Force base where the incident occurred.&nbsp;“An Air Force B-52 Stratofortress carrying eight people on a routine test mission crashed today shortly after take-off at 11.20 am (PDT). Initial indications are that the crash was not survivable,” Edwards Air Force Base said in a statement.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">‼️ Official release regarding today&#39;s B-52 crash at Edwards. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and unit members at this time. More information will be released as it becomes available. <a href="https://t.co/410V2gqCFv">pic.twitter.com/410V2gqCFv</a>&mdash; Edwards Air Force Base (@EdwardsAFB) <a href="https://x.com/EdwardsAFB/status/2066647300974518345?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 15, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The development comes after an Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber crashed shortly after taking off from Edwards Air Force Base in California on Monday, according to officials at the base.&nbsp;The aircraft went down at around 11:20 a.m. PT after departing from the airfield at Edwards Air Force Base in Kern County.&nbsp;In a statement posted on X, the base said, "Emergency crews immediately responded to the scene, and the situation is ongoing."&nbsp;"The airfield has been closed, and all inbound aircraft are being diverted. Additionally, all non-commercial visitor passes have been suspended until further notice to allow the installation to focus entirely on emergency response operations," it added. The B-52 strategic bomber entered service after its first flight in 1954 and was initially developed for potential conflict with the Soviet Union. Despite its Cold War origins, the aircraft has undergone repeated modernisation programmes that have allowed it to remain operational for decades.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/war-saved-israel-from-nuclear-annihilation-netanyahu-says-israeli-forces-to-stay-in-lebanon-syria-and-gaza-1781557694223">‘War saved Israel from nuclear annihilation’: Netanyahu says Israeli forces to stay in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza</a>&nbsp;One of the largest aircraft in the US Air Force fleet, the B-52 measures about 159 feet in length and has a wingspan of approximately 185 feet. It can carry a wide variety of weapons, including conventional bombs and cruise missiles.&nbsp;The bomber is typically operated by a five-member crew consisting of an aircraft commander, pilot, radar navigator, navigator and electronic warfare officer.&nbsp;Capable of flying combat missions over distances of up to 8,800 miles, the aircraft can also be equipped to carry nuclear weapons. Over the years, the United States has deployed the B-52 in major military operations, including those in Vietnam, the Gulf region, Iraq, Afghanistan and, most recently, Iran.

Authorities did not immediately provide details about the cause of the crash. Emergency teams were sent to the site soon after the incident and response efforts were continuing.

Eight people are feared dead after a B-52 bomber crashed shortly after taking off in California on Monday, according to officials at the US Air Force base where the incident occurred. “An Air Force B-52 Stratofortress carrying eight people on a routine test mission crashed today shortly after take-off at 11.20 am (PDT). Initial indications are that the crash was not survivable,” Edwards Air Force Base said in a statement.

Authorities did not immediately provide details about the cause of the crash. Emergency teams were sent to the site soon after the incident and response efforts were underway.

Eight feared dead after US Air Force B-52 bomber crashes at California's Edwards Base

A US B-52 bomber issued a distress call while flying over the United Kingdom, prompting monitoring by aviation authorities.

Reports indicate the aircraft declared an emergency mid-flight, though officials have not disclosed the exact cause or extent of the issue.

The bomber was part of routine operations, with no immediate reports of damage or casualties following the incident.

US B-52 Bomber Issues Distress Call Over UK Airspace | WION

B-52 can fly 8,800 miles without refueled that would be more than 12 hours continuously. Mid-air refuelling extends it’s range limited only by crew endurance. Fuel capacity 181,605 litres stored eight tanks. 

B-52 can fly 8,800 miles without refueled that would be more than 12 hours continuously. Mid-air refuelling extends it’s range limited only by crew endurance. Fuel capacity 181,605 litres stored eight tanks.&nbsp;

How long the B-52 bomber can fly with air refuelling?

Here is the breakdown of how China’s H-6K "God of War" stacks up against the American B-52 Stratofortress, and who would cause more devastation.

Here is the breakdown of how China’s H-6K "God of War" stacks up against the American B-52 Stratofortress, and who would cause more devastation.

'God of War': Why one B-52 bomber is more dangerous than a squadron of China's H-6K bombers

A Delta regional jet was forced to make an "aggressive maneuver" on July 18 while approaching Minot, North Dakota, to avoid a possible mid-air collision with a B-52 bomber, according to the pilot. The Delta Airlines flight DL3788 was travelling between Minneapolis-Saint Paul (MSP) and Minot International Airport (MOT) when the incident took place. Meanwhile, Minot also has an Air Force base that operates B-52 bombers.<h3>What is a ‘go-around maneuver’?</h3>A go-around maneuver is a process in which a pilot decides to abort the landing of an aircraft before touchdown and instead takes the aircraft back into the air to attempt a different approach or divert to an alternative airport.&nbsp;The pilot may initiate this process during an unstable approach, like the wrong speed, altitude, or alignment. It is also used while other aircraft or vehicles are on the runway or during bad weather.<h3>How did the Delta flight pilot avoid a mid-air collision?</h3>According to A2Z Aviation, the pilot stated that air traffic controllers instructed the flight to alter its course due to insufficient separation from another aircraft ahead on the same path. When the crew followed the instructed course change, they discovered a military aircraft on a converging path.&nbsp;Later, the pilot explained during a public gathering that turning behind the bomber was the safest choice, as there was no prior warning about military traffic.&nbsp;The pilot emphasised that such incidents are highly unusual, especially given that Minot Air Force Base is equipped with radar, yet no warning was issued about the presence of the bomber in the airspace, reports A2Z Aviation. It remains uncertain how near the two aircraft came to one another or whether any cockpit alarm was triggered, warning the pilots about an upcoming collision.&nbsp;“SkyWest flight 3788, operating as Delta Connection from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Minot, North Dakota, landed safely in Minot after being cleared for approach by the tower but performed a go-around when another aircraft became visible in their flight path. We are investigating the incident," stated a SkyWest spokesperson.

A pilot may initiate a 'go-around maneuver’ process during an unstable approach, like the wrong speed, altitude, or alignment. It is also used while other aircraft or vehicles are on the runway or during bad weather.

A Delta regional jet was forced to make an "aggressive maneuver" on July 18 while approaching Minot, North Dakota, to avoid a possible mid-air collision with a B-52 bomber, according to the pilot. The Delta Airlines flight DL3788 was travelling between Minneapolis-Saint Paul (MSP) and Minot International Airport (MOT) when the incident took place. Meanwhile, Minot also has an Air Force base that operates B-52 bombers. What is a ‘go-around maneuver’? A go-around maneuver is a process in which a pilot decides to abort the landing of an aircraft before touchdown and instead takes the aircraft back into the air to attempt a different approach or divert to an alternative airport. The pilot may initiate this process during an unstable approach, like the wrong speed, altitude, or alignment. It is also used while other aircraft or vehicles are on the runway or during bad weather. How did the Delta flight pilot avoid a mid-air collision? According to A2Z Aviation, the pilot stated that air traffic controllers instructed the flight to alter its course due to insufficient separation from another aircraft ahead on the same path. When the crew followed the instructed course change, they discovered a military aircraft on a converging path. Later, the pilot explained during a public gathering that turning behind the bomber was the safest choice, as there was no prior warning about military traffic. The pilot emphasised that such incidents are highly unusual, especially given that Minot Air Force Base is equipped with radar, yet no warning was issued about the presence of the bomber in the airspace, reports A2Z Aviation. It remains uncertain how near the two aircraft came to one another or whether any cockpit alarm was triggered, warning the pilots about an upcoming collision. “SkyWest flight 3788, operating as Delta Connection from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Minot, North Dakota, landed safely in Minot after being cleared for approach by the tower but performed a go-around when another aircraft became visible in their flight path. We are investigating the incident," stated a SkyWest spokesperson.

A pilot may initiate a 'go-around maneuver’ process during an unstable approach, like the wrong speed, altitude, or alignment. It is also used while other aircraft or vehicles are on the runway or during bad weather.

What is 'go-around' in aviation? Here's how Delta flight pilot dodged mid-air collision with B-52 bomber

The military said it escorted two US bombers. The flight of the pair of B-52 bombers is the latest mission in the region aimed at warning Iran amid tensions between Washington and Tehran.

Israeli jets escort US B-52 bombers amid Iran tensions

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Why the US military still trusts a bomber designed in the 1950s

Which radar system does the US Air Force's B-52 bomber use?

160-foot flying giant: What weapons can the B-52 bomber carry?

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

Eight feared dead after B-52 bomber crashes at Edwards Base in California

US B-52 Bomber Issues Distress Call Over UK Airspace | WION

How long the B-52 bomber can fly with air refuelling?

China's H-6K vs US' B-52 Bomber: Who will cause greater damage if a war?

What is 'go-around'? How Delta pilot dodged mid-air crash with B-52 bomber

Israeli jets escort US B-52 bombers amid Iran tensions