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NASA Dryden received the "H" model B-52 Stratofortress aircraft on July 30, 2001. The B-52H 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 newly arrived B-52H was intended to replace Dryden's famous B-52B "008" seen in the background. Modifications to the B-52H for flight research duties includes PDM, construction of the pylon, installation of the flight research instrumentation equipment, and aircraft envelope clearance flights.

Changes in NASA's aeronautics programs meant that the B-52H was not used for research.