★ FAMOUSSpace & science

NASA WB-57

Edge-of-space science jet — one of the last of its kind flying

Tail number N927NA

Martin/General Dynamics WB-57F, the type NASA WB-57 is built on
Type photo · Photo: Wikimedia Commons

The story

A Cold War bomber design still working for a living — NASA flies the last WB-57Fs to the edge of space with science payloads in the nose. They chase eclipses, sample the stratosphere, and test sensors at 60,000+ feet, where the pilots wear full pressure suits.

Fun fact

The WB-57 flies so high its crews suit up like astronauts — because at that altitude, they basically are.

Quick answers

What is the tail number of NASA WB-57?

N927NA (Martin/General Dynamics WB-57F).

What kind of aircraft is NASA WB-57?

Martin/General Dynamics WB-57F.

Is it still flying?

Yes, it is still active.

The type

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