GCASO: General Catalog of Artificial Space Objects

Jonathan C. McDowell

Launch Sites

Rocket Launch Ships: US Rocket Launching Aircraft: Bombers

B-52G Stratofortress S/N 57-6473


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Unk
[credit unknown]


Steve Pace, in his book X-Planes over Edwards, reports that B-52G 57-6473 was used for Skybolt captive trials at Edwards because the B-52H was not mature enough. Other reports suggest there was a single B-52G used for trials, although B-52H planes were photgraphed carrying dummy Skybolts. Records confirm at least 3 of the 5 launches were by a B-52G, but do not give a serial number. I will assume that 473 was used for all the actual Skybolt launches in Florida, staged from Eglin. One photo of the first launch shows a blurry tail number that appears consistent with '6473'. Two RAF Vulcans were also used for captive trials but never made a live launch


Rockets used: Skybolt ALBM



Updated: 2024 Apr 21 05:22:46

Launches: B-52G-473
DateRocketFlightMissionPlatCodePlatformSiteLPAscSiteAscLPPosApogee
1962 Apr 19 2103Skybolt ALBMPL.1-B-52G-473B-52G Stratofortress S/N 57-6473EGLRW12/30AMRLP1 80.0W 28.5N (+/- 1.0) 78.0
1962 Jun 29Skybolt ALBMPL.2-B-52G-473B-52G Stratofortress S/N 57-6473EGLRW12/30AMRLP1 80.0W 28.5N (+/- 1.0) 12.0
1962 Sep 13Skybolt ALBMPL.3-B-52G-473B-52G Stratofortress S/N 57-6473EGLRW12/30AMRLP1 80.0W 28.5N (+/- 1.0) 10.0
1962 Sep 25 1409Skybolt ALBMPL.4-B-52G-473B-52G Stratofortress S/N 57-6473EGLRW12/30AMRLP1 80.0W 28.5N (+/- 1.0) 100.0
1962 Nov 28 1845Skybolt ALBMGL.1-B-52G-473B-52G Stratofortress S/N 57-6473EGLRW12/30AMRLP1 80.0W 28.5N (+/- 1.0) 10.0
1962 Dec 22 1415Skybolt ALBMGL.2-B-52G-473B-52G Stratofortress S/N 57-6473EGLRW12/30AMRLP1 80.0W 28.5N (+/- 1.0) 580.0