NASA USAF Boeing NB-52B 52-0008 CN 16498 Mother Ship Editorial Image

NASA USAF Boeing NB-52B 52-0008 CN 16498 mother ship . Used to launch the X-15 now outside thw North gate of Edwards AFB , California NASA's B-52B launch aircraft, operated by the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, participated in some of the most significant projects in aerospace history. At retirement, the air launch and research aircraft held the distinction of being NASA's oldest aircraft, as well as being the oldest B-52 on flying status. At the same time, it had the lowest number of flying hours (2443.8) of any B-52 in operation, having been used exclusively in the role it continued to perform so reliably for nearly 50 years.