EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- NASA's new B-52H is seen here on the ramp at the Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.

NASA Dryden received the "H" model of a B-52 Stratofortress aircraft on July 30, 2001 and eventually will be used as an air-launch aircraft supporting NASA's flight research and advanced technology demonstration efforts.

Dryden received the B-52H from the U.S. Air Force's (USAF) 23rd Bomb Squadron, 5th Bombardment Wing (Air Combat Command), located at Minot AFB, N.D. A USAF crew flew the aircraft to Dryden.

The aircraft, USAF tail number 61-0025, will be loaned initially, then later transferred from the USAF to NASA.

The newly arrived B-52H is slated to replace Dryden's famous B-52B "008." Modifications are needed for the B-52H to be ready for flight research duties.

Credit: NASA