# 56-0632

> former B-52E bomber converted by the U.S. Air Force for participation in test programs

**Wikidata**: [Q104623095](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q104623095)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/56-0632

## Summary
56-0632 is a former Boeing B-52E Stratofortress bomber, converted by the United States Air Force into the NB-52E experimental aircraft for participation in flight test programs. Manufactured by Boeing in Seattle around 1956 and powered by eight J57 engines, this aircraft served in various capacities until its retirement in 1974 and was ultimately scrapped in 1993.

## Key Facts
- **Designations**: U.S. Air Force serial number 56-0632; Boeing manufacturer serial number 17315; redesignated NB-52E following conversion
- **Type Classification**: Instance of Boeing B-52E Stratofortress, experimental aircraft, and former entity
- **Manufacturer**: Boeing, constructed in Seattle as model B-52E-85-BO
- **Operator and Owner**: United States Air Force
- **Country of Origin and Registry**: United States
- **Primary Use**: Flight testing
- **Service Entry**: Circa 1956
- **Powerplant**: Eight J57 engines
- **Dimensions**: Height 14.72 meters, Length 47.72 meters, Wingspan 56.39 meters
- **Service Retirement**: June 26, 1974, at the Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Center
- **Final Disposition**: Scrapped in October 1993 at Davis–Monthan Air Force Base
- **Commons Category**: 56-0632 (aircraft)

## FAQs

**What was 56-0632's original purpose before conversion?**
The aircraft was originally built as a B-52E-85-BO Stratofortress bomber for the United States Air Force, entering service circa 1956 as a frontline military aircraft before being selected for conversion to a test platform.

**What programs did 56-0632 participate in as a test aircraft?**
Following its renovation and redesignation as the NB-52E, the aircraft was utilized by the U.S. Air Force for flight testing, notably participating in the Air Force Flight Dynamics Laboratory-Boeing Control Configured Vehicles program.

**How long did 56-0632 remain in service?**
The aircraft entered service circa 1956 and was retired on June 26, 1974, giving it an active service life of approximately 18 years. After retirement, it was stored at the Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Center until being scrapped in October 1993.

**What is the significance of the NB-52E designation?**
The NB-52E designation indicates a permanently converted test aircraft. The "N" prefix in the U.S. military aircraft designation system signifies permanent modification for test and evaluation purposes, distinguishing it from standard operational B-52E bombers.

## Why It Matters
56-0632 represents a specific case study in Cold War-era military aerospace adaptation, where existing strategic bomber airframes were repurposed to support advanced flight research programs. Its conversion from a frontline B-52E bomber to the NB-52E test platform demonstrates the U.S. Air Force's practice of extending the utility of proven aircraft designs beyond their original combat roles. The aircraft's participation in the Control Configured Vehicles program contributed to research in advanced flight control systems. As a fully documented former entity with complete lifecycle records—from construction in Seattle through operational service, test conversion, retirement to storage, and final scrapping—56-0632 provides a verifiable data point in aviation history, preserved across multiple sources including military serial records, aviation databases, and photographic archives on Wikimedia Commons.

## Notable For
- **Adaptive Reuse**: Converted from an operational B-52E strategic bomber to the NB-52E experimental test platform, demonstrating the versatility of the Stratofortress airframe
- **Control Configured Vehicles Program**: Participated in the Air Force Flight Dynamics Laboratory-Boeing CCV program, contributing to flight dynamics and control systems research
- **Complete Lifecycle Documentation**: Full historical record spanning construction (circa 1956), conversion, retirement (June 26, 1974), storage at AMARC, and scrapping (October 1993)
- **Dual Serial Numbers**: Carried both military serial 56-0632 and Boeing manufacturer serial 17315
- **Eight-Engine Configuration**: Powered by eight J57 engines, characteristic of early B-52 Stratofortress variants

## Body

### Construction and Early Service
56-0632 was manufactured by Boeing at their Seattle production facility as a B-52E-85-BO model Stratofortress. Construction was completed circa 1956, and the aircraft carried Boeing manufacturer serial number 17315 alongside its U.S. Air Force serial number 56-0632. The aircraft was taken on strength by the United States Air Force circa 1956, entering service as part of the Strategic Air Command's bomber fleet during the early Cold War period.

### Technical Specifications
The aircraft's physical dimensions aligned with the standard B-52 Stratofortress platform: a height of 14.72 meters, a length of 47.72 meters, and a wingspan of 56.39 meters. Propulsion consisted of eight J57 turbojet engines, a configuration typical of early B-52 variants that provided the thrust required for strategic bombing missions. The United States served as both the country of origin and the country of registry for the aircraft.

### Conversion to Test Configuration
During its service life, 56-0632 underwent renovation and was redesignated as the NB-52E. This conversion transformed the aircraft from an operational bomber into a dedicated flight test platform. The redesignation to NB-52E indicated permanent modification for test purposes, and the aircraft was subsequently employed in U.S. Air Force flight testing programs. It is documented as having participated in the Air Force Flight Dynamics Laboratory-Boeing Control Configured Vehicles program, with photographic evidence preserved showing the aircraft in its test configuration.

### Retirement and Disposition
After approximately 18 years of service, 56-0632 was retired on June 26, 1974. Upon retirement, the aircraft was transferred to the Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Center (AMARC), the U.S. military's primary aircraft storage facility located at Davis–Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona. The aircraft remained in storage until being scrapped in October 1993 at Davis–Monthan Air Force Base, completing its full lifecycle from construction to final disposition.

### Documentation and Records
56-0632 is classified in structured knowledge bases as an instance of three distinct categories: Boeing B-52E Stratofortress, experimental aircraft, and former entity. The latter classification indicates that the subject no longer operates or exists in its original capacity. The aircraft has a dedicated Commons category titled "56-0632 (aircraft)" on Wikimedia, and an associated image documenting the NB-52E during the Control Configured Vehicles program is available at the Wikimedia Commons file repository. Historical data regarding the aircraft has been sourced from multiple references, including military serial documentation at joebaugher.com, aerialvisuals.ca, and airhistory.net, with sitelink counts indicating one connected Wikipedia resource.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_serials/1956.html)
2. [Source](http://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_bombers/b52_11.html)
3. [Source](http://www.aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=183268)
4. [Source](https://www.airhistory.net/registration/56-0632)