Product Details

NASA obtained a B-52H heavy bomber from the U.S. Air Force in 2001, intending to use the aircraft as an air-launch and testbed aircraft to support NASA, Air Force, and industry flight research and advanced technology demonstration efforts at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, CA. NASA Dryden's fabrication branch built a new, in-house designed pylon for the B-52H to carry aerospace test vehicles aloft. The new pylon was designed with the flexibility to adapt to the variety of aerospace vehicle shapes and sizes, and could carry a load weighing up to 25,000 lb. The B-52H, USAF serial number 61-0025, arrived at NASA Dryden on July 30, 2001 from the USAF's 23rd Bomb Squadron, 5th Bombardment Wing, located at Minot AFB, ND. Initially placed on loan, the aircraft was later transferred from the USAF to NASA.