View source for NASA B-52B

== NASA-003, NASA-008 ==

Two specially-modified Boeing B-52 heavy bombers, with eight jet engines in 4 clusters of two, two of these clusters slung beneath each wing. A special hanging "cradle" was added beneath the starboard wing, between the inboard engine cluster and the fuselage. Used to launch X-15 rocketplanes (some of whose pilots flew high enough to earn their astronaut wings), to launch lifting bodies, and to launch the [[Pegasus]] orbital vehicle.  One of these aircraft, tail number NASA-003 (retired 1969), is on public display at the Pima Air & Space Museum near Tucson, AZ. See: http://www.aero-web.org/museums/az/pam/52-0003.htm [http://www.aero-web.org/museums/az/pam/52-0003.htm Boeing NB-52A 'Stratofortress' SN: 52-0003].

NASA-008 first flew in 1955 June 11 and was retired on 2004 December 17. See:  http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-005-DFRC.html [http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-005-DFRC.html B-52B "Mothership" Launch Aircraft]

The "mothership" idea continues to be used, most recently by the winner of the X-Prize, SpaceShip One, and followup craft. There is also a rumored secret Air Force space plane project, commonly referred to as "Aurora", which may also use a "mothership" configuration (if it exists).

[[Category:History]]