Restoration as good as finished for the oldest B-52 in existence and one of only three original A models. With the multi-year effort completed, The High and Mighty One looks superb in her 1965 colour scheme. On the nose are 107 X-15 mission marks and an eagle dropping the hypersonic rocket plane, above the name. The Air Force Test Center badge is there too, plus a shortened version of the tail number (in post 1953 format). This mothership, like famous sister Balls 8, also launched a whole series of other experimental vehicles and even carried out tests for the Space Shuttle programme.

Built as a B-52A. Converted to an NB-52A X-15 launcher. Stored at Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ in 1969. To the museum in 1981.

Being refurbished for exhibition.

Modified to NB-52A for launching the North American X-15 hypersonic rocket plane.

Modified to NB-52A for launching the North American X-15 hypersonic rocket plane.

Photographer unknown. Received via Jean Magendie.

One of only 3 model B-52's that were built and the oldest B-52 in existence. Delivered to the USAF in September 1954 as 52-0003. Converted to JB-52A in December 1955. Converted to NB-52A in October 1957, modified for launching X-15's. Transferred to the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Center (AMARC) with inventory number BC108 in October 1969. Loaned to Pima in August 1981. Photographed under restoration in March 2020.

This B-52 had already been in the graveyard for 11 years at the time of the photo.

This bird is one of the oldest B-52s ever built. Displayed at the fabulous Pima Air and Space Museum.

Taken at MASDC just 18 months after retirement from operations at Edwards AFB. Many mission symbols on its nose to denote its role as the X-15 carrier - the wing pylon is still in place.