NASA's venerable B-52 mothership is seen here photographed from a KC-135 Tanker aircraft. The X-43 adapter is visible attached to the right wing. The B-52, used for launching experimental aircraft and for other flight research projects, was a familiar sight in the skies over Edwards for more than 40 years.
EC01-0084-2
NASA’s venerable B-52 mothership is seen here photographed from a KC-135 Tanker aircraft. The X-43 adapter is visible attached to the right wing. The B-52, used for launching experimental aircraft and for other flight research projects, was a familiar sight in the skies over Edwards for more than 40 years. At the time of its retirement on December 17, 2004, it was both the oldest B-52 still flying and the aircraft with the lowest flight time of any B-52.March 30, 2001NASA Photo / Jim Ross› B-52 Project Description