EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE -- No one knew that when NASA began flying the first B-52B bomber in June of 1955, that the old lady would still be providing research material into the next century.

With more than 1,000 flights to it's credit, the B-52B mothership of the Dryden Flight Research Center will taxi for the last time after an historical career in aviation development.

A converted bomber, the B-52B soared over the pacific just 32 days ago in the final flight of the X-43A scramjet project.

It's a plane that has seen nearly 70 pilots and co-pilots take the controls over the course of five decades.

"I was priveledged to fly her several times," said former pilot Ed Schneider, "the 008 was a grand lady and fun to fly."

The marking '008' on the tail signified, that NASA's B-52B was the 8th production model to roll off the assembly line.

It was the first 'B' model and was quickly assigned to NASA with plans to convert the bomber into a research launch vehicle.

Stan Butchart was a research pilot in the early 50's and flew the B-52B on several proficiency flights.

On Friday, Butchart stood next to the historic plane for the first time in years.

"It looks kinda worn out, like it needs a new paint job, but it's a good 'old machine," said Butchart.

It all started with the X-15 project in 1959.

The most extensive of all the research programs at NASA Dryden, the B-52B made more than 100 drops with the X-15, that led to advances in the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo and space shuttle missions.

Watching a test vehicle drop from the B-52B, then come to life and race away from the plane gave many pilots the best seat in the house.

"The rocket would ignite and race to life right in front of your nose," said Fitz Fulton, a pilot during the X-15 program.

"By the time it landed on the dry river bed, we would still be in the air."

Dozens of insignias dot the exterior of the B-52B, like an ancient scroll documenting the history of this aircraft.

The gauges inside the cockpit are the same as the day it rolled out of the factory.

Pilot Gordon Fullerton, who flew the B-52B from 1987 until it's final mission, used an egg-timer as a way to monitor the countdowns on board the aircraft.

"It always worked, and I believe it's a significant souvenir," said Fullerton.

The Air Force stopped making old parts for the B-52B a long time, and mechanics were forced to be creative when repairing the aging plane.

Sometimes taking gauges and other hard to find items from a variety of B-52's in museums.

But with the completion of the X-43 project, there's nothing left for the old girl to accomplish.

A slightly newer B52-H model ready to take it's place.

But first, a new research program needs to be launched for the next generation of flying fortress to leave the ground.