NASA's Famed B-52B "Mothership" Officially Retires This Friday

The end of an era in aerospace history will be marked this Friday, Dec. 17, when NASA retires its venerable B-52B "mothership" heavy-lift launch aircraft.

Having launched advanced flight research vehicles over a lengthy career spanning nearly a half century, the venerable air-launch aircraft is being decommissioned in formal ceremonies at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base, CA.

Jointly hosted by the Air Force Flight Test Center and NASA Dryden, the observance will begin at 10 a.m. PST and will include a formal transfer of the B-52B by NASA Dryden center director Kevin Petersen to Brig. Gen. Curtis M. Bedke, commander of the Air Force Flight Test Center, for its final disposition. Several present and former pilots of the aircraft, including NASA research pilots Gordon Fullerton, Fitz Fulton and Ed Schneider, and Air Force Flight Test Center historian Dr. James Young will also participate in the retirement program.

Operated by NASA Dryden for most of its lifetime, the eight-engine aircraft has participated in some of the most significant projects in aerospace history, ranging from launching the X-15 rocket planes of the 1960s to the hypersonic scramjet-powered X-43A of the 21st century. At retirement, the historic aircraft holds the distinction of being NASA's oldest aircraft, as well as being the oldest B-52 still flyable. Tentative plans call for placing the aircraft on permanent display at Edwards AFB.

FMI: www.dfrc.nasa.gov