Built as RB-52B 52-008. Converted to NB-52B carrier aircraft for X-15 and Lifting Body research programs. To NASA as NASA 008 by 1977. Last flight in 2004 then preserved at Edwards AFB.

First taking to the air in June of 1955, this B-52 began its illustrious, nearly 50-year USAF and NASA career as a bomb navigation system test airplane for the USAF's B-52 fleet. Ironically, test bomber spent most of its career dropping flight research vehicles rather than bombs. In 1959, it became one of two mothership launch aircraft for the X-15 program, which paved the way for America's early manned spaceflight efforts. Nicknamed "Double-0-Eight" and "Balls Eight" cut its teeth launching 106 of the 199 X-15 flights. At its retirement on 17 December 2004, Balls 8 was the oldest active B-52.

Photographer: Peter Mancus.

With X-24B.

Photographer: Peter Mancus.

Photographer: Duane Kasulka.

With HL-10. Photographer: Duane Kasulka.

NASA 008 NB-52B on display at the 1990 Edwards Open House. Aircraft now resides at the north gate entrance of Edwards

Ex USAF 52-0008, a rather rare and old bird. Later its task as a test aircraft was performed by a 'younger' B-52. Please note the many different mission marks on the right hand side of this aircraft. The blue badge is an individual aircraft marking and the one below the cockpit is the Air Force Flight Test Center badge.

NASA's NB-52B 'Balls 8' lifts off from runway 22 with the Hyper-X attached to a Pegasus booster under it's right wing. On the nose it carries the Air Force Systems Command badge.