A US Air Force B-1B Lancer (or “Bone”) crashed in Montana yesterday.  The four-man crew ejected.

A crew of two pilots and two weapon systems officers were on board. All four members of the aircrew safely ejected with some injuries…

“Right now all of our thoughts and prayers are with the crews and their families,” [Col Kevin Kennedy, the 28th Bomb Wing commander] said.

The B-1 is sometimes described as the “fighter” of the bomber world.  It is powered by four of the same engines used in the F-15/F-16, is supersonic, is controlled by a stick rather than a yoke, and is (thankfully) equipped with four ejection seats.  It flies essentially like other bombers, though.

As usual, the Air Force will investigate and publish its findings at a later date.

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