NASA B-52

[kenlyco]

5/9/2008 - NASA's B-52H #025 (61-0025) departed the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center at 10:56 PDT on May 9, for what would be its last flight. The aircraft was returned to the USAF by way of Sheppard AFB, TX. There, the aircraft will be utilized as a ground maintenance trainer. In an ironic twist, the crew had to wait to takeoff while two of the last flying F-117s from the 410th FLTS worked the Edwards pattern.

Apparently the old girl had other ideas, as the flight was originally scheduled for an 0800 takeoff, but that was postponed due to a leaking pressure switch in the flight controls, which had to be checked. Maybe she knew what was in store for her at the other end. Once the problem was fixed the flight was otherwise uneventful, with an arrival time of 18:12 PM CDT at Sheppard.

Originally the plan was for #025 to takeover the captive carry mission at Dryden after the famous NASA #008 B-52 was retired. However, a refocus by the current administration towards space programs diminished the budget for aeronautical programs. Because of this, it was decided that NASA's B-52 would be going back to the USAF, thereby ending a long tradition of B-52 assisted air launch ability at Dryden.

[CAPFlyer]

How sad. After only a couple of years of operation, Balls 8's replacement is being replaced. I hope that they see the error in their ways and bring her back as she's been a good asset to spaceflight missions and the lack of such a high altitude, high speed launch platform will be felt later on in testing of future spacecraft and probes.

[APG85]

Crew Chief trainer at Sheppard?...it's finished

Neat paint job...

[skymstr02]

Better than the guillotine at AMARG?

[Glen]

What ever happen to Balls 8 ? was she scraped or saved ( I hope )

[mustangdriver]

It was saved. I can't remember if it is at PIMA or the Edwards AFB museum.

[CAPFlyer]

It's assigned to the Edwards Museum, but it's on display in the NASA areay, so it's technically on display at the Dryden FRC.

It's sad though. First the NKC-135A "Vomit Comet", now the NB-52H. I guess the NP-3 or the NC-130Q are next.

[kenlyco]

Famous NASA B-52 #008 Makes a Move at Edwards 10/10/2007 - Volunteers move the Air Force Flight Test Center Museum's B-52 to the North Gate on Oct. 1. Maintainers from 912th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron towed the aircraft from the museum's maintenance hangar at North Base.

Personnel from the 95th Civil Engineering and Transportation Directorate provided the expertise and equipment to move the static display almost half a mile across the desert on a tow road they had previously graded. Future improvements to the display area will include a small parking lot, walkways, signage and concrete pads under the landing gear.

[Robbie Stuart]

Got an e-mail from an old buddy that had the inside juice on this bird.


Pan Am has been resurrected and announced a return to services to the Middle East.

This week Pan Am announced it will begin regularly scheduled flights to Iraq, Iran, and other key destinations in the Middle East. Pan am also announced it may consider adding N. Korea to its routes at a future date.
Robbie

[n5151ts]

...afterall the Brits have a Vulcan...

[hang the expense]

Wow,Cool paint on that one.

[Glen]

Got an e-mail from an old buddy that had the inside juice on this bird.


Pan Am has been resurrected and announced a return to services to the Middle East.

This week Pan Am announced it will begin regularly scheduled flights to Iraq, Iran, and other key destinations in the Middle East. Pan am also announced it may consider adding N. Korea to its routes at a future date.
Robbie

As the Late Great Gen Patton siad God how I do love it ! Refering to War ! Very nice Buff never looked better kinda like HE-111 being used as a transpost before WW2