Title: B-52H Air-Launch and Research Testbed
Designer: Unknown
Year it was designed: circa 2001
Explanation or story behind the patch: Dryden obtained a B-52H heavy bomber from the U.S. Air Force in 2001, intending to use it as an air-launch and testbed aircraft to support NASA, Air Force, and industry flight research and advanced technology demonstration efforts. Dryden’s fabrication branch built a new, in-house designed pylon for the B-52H to carry a variety of aerospace vehicle shapes and sizes, and a total load weighing up to 25,000 pounds. The B-52H, (USAF serial number 61-0025) arrived at Dryden on 30 July 2001 from the 23rd Bomb Squadron, 5th Bombardment Wing, at Minot AFB, North Dakota. Initially placed on loan, the aircraft was later transferred from the USAF to NASA. The B-52H, now known as NASA 025, was intended to replace Dryden’s famous NB-52B (NASA 008), which was retired on 17 December 2004. However, with no research projects requiring its capabilities on the horizon under NASA’s restructured aeronautics research programs, the decision was made to return the B-52H to the Air Force in 2007. This patch is a one-of-a-kind memento of the short-lived project.
For more information on the B-52H Air-Launch and Research Testbed, click https://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-094-DFRC.html