If you’re familiar with those inspired aviation images depicting X-Planes launched from beneath the wing of a Boeing B-52 bomber, chances are that “mothership” was NASA NB-52B, tail number 52-008, known to pilots as Balls 8. After almost 50 years of dedicated service to research and development, ending in 2004, Balls 8 is now preserved at Edwards Air Force Base.
Originally built as an RB-52B reconnaissance variant for the U.S. Air Force, Balls 8 first took to the sky on June 11, 1955. After being transferred to NASA in 1959, the massive Stratofortress was modified to an X-15 launch platform at North American Aviation’s Palmdale plant, receiving the new designation NB-52B.
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