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Feelin’ BUFF 15: Special B-52s: NASA Testing Mystery Cache

Hidden : 6/16/2021
Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
2 out of 5

Size: Size:   micro (micro)

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Geocache Description:


Not at posted coordinates!  Be sure to check the logbook for the bonus codes!


Not all B-52s were assigned to Strategic Air Command as bombers.  A few examples served as testbeds for various non-SAC projects, and even NASA in support of the space program.  Of the three B-52As built, one (52-0003) was modified to be the “mother ship” for the rocket-powered X-15 aircraft project.  A single B-model joined the X-15 program, modified and redesignated as NB-52B (52-0008).  The NBs would carry the X-15 to release altitude, the X-15 would ignite engines and be released from the carrier aircraft, as if it were a manned cruise missile.  The NB BUFFs participated in other carry programs for M2-F1 (nicknamed Flying Bathtub due to its wingless structure), HL-10, Pegasus and X-24 series lifting bodies, and the hypersonic X-43.  The NBs were used to carry many research initiatives aloft, and boasted the lowest flight hours of the entire BUFF fleet.  The data gleaned from these projects involving the BUFF to carry experimental vehicles for in-flight launch directly impacted NASA space programs for Mercury, Gemini, Apollo and the Space Shuttle.  When the Balls-Eight (52-0008) was retired in 2004, it was then the oldest BUFF in service.  You can see the Balls-Eight at Edwards AFB, CA on display.

 

To find this cache, calculate the coordinates from the information in this listing.

N 48° 19.ABC  W 101° 15.DEF    

 

A= Serial number of B-52A assigned as mother ship for X-15 program, serial number 52-XXXN, A=(N+5)

B= Quantity of B-52Bs assigned to X-15 program, N B-52B aircraft, B=(Nx0)

C= Serial number of NB-52B that carried the X-15, serial number 52-XXXN C=(N/1)

D= Designation of NB-52 carried test program nicknamed Flying Bathtub, MN-FX, D=(Nx3)

E= Designation of hypersonic NB-52 carried test program, X-XN, E=(Nx3)

F= Serial number of NB-52B on display at Edwards AFB, serial number 52-XXXN, F=(N-2)

 

Dorr, R. & Peacock, L. (1995). Boeing’s Cold War Warrior: B-52 Stratofortress. London, UK; Osprey Aerospace.

https://www.dfrc.nasa.gov/Gallery/Photo/Pegasus/HTML/EC91-348-3.html

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

291

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)