| Aircraft | |
|---|---|
| Registration / Serial: | NASA 008 |
| Alternate Serial: | 0008 |
| Military Code: | 008 |
| Aircraft Original Type: | Boeing B-52 Stratofortress (464) |
| Aircraft Generic Type: | Boeing B-52 Stratofortress (464) |
| Aircraft Version: | Boeing NB-52B Stratofortress |
| C/n (msn): | 16498 |
| Operator Titles: | NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration |
| Unit Markings: | Dryden Flight Research Center |
| Location | |
|---|---|
| City / Airport: | Edwards - AFBMap |
| Region / Country: | California, United States |
| Airport Codes: | ICAO: KEDW IATA: EDW Local: EDW Other: - |
| Photo Date: | 14 August 1991 |
| Photo by: | Stephan de Bruijn |
| Photo ID: | 594060 |
| Photo Comment |
|---|
|
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. This photo is copyright © Stephan de Bruijn, and may not be used or published in any way without permission. It was added on 14 August 2023, and has since been viewed 415 times. |