General Dynamics RB-57F Canberra
Museum of Aviation,
Robins AFB, Georgia
Dec. 27, 2011
The RB-57F was developed from the Martin B-57B, as a very high altitude reconnaissance aircraft. Modified by General Dynamics, it featured a new wing with twice the area of the B-57B wing, along with enlarged tail surfaces. The standard engines were replaced with two GE TF-33 turbofan engines and two P&W J-60 jet engines. for additional thrust at cruising altitude.
A version of the aircraft was used for weather reconnaissance, including radiation sampling in support of nuclear test monitoring. They were redesignated WB in 1968.
Stress fractures in the wing spars and ribs forced the aircraft to be retired early. Three aircraft were transferred to NASA for research purposes.
General Dynamics RB-57F Canberra
Museum of Aviation,
Robins AFB, Georgia
Dec. 27, 2011
The RB-57F was developed from the Martin B-57B, as a very high altitude reconnaissance aircraft. Modified by General Dynamics, it featured a new wing with twice the area of the B-57B wing, along with enlarged tail surfaces. The standard engines were replaced with two GE TF-33 turbofan engines and two P&W J-60 jet engines. for additional thrust at cruising altitude.
A version of the aircraft was used for weather reconnaissance, including radiation sampling in support of nuclear test monitoring. They were redesignated WB in 1968.
Stress fractures in the wing spars and ribs forced the aircraft to be retired early. Three aircraft were transferred to NASA for research purposes.