RB-57A "Canberra" - Lackland AFB - San Antonio, Texas
Posted by: BruceS
N 29° 23.007 W 098° 38.041
14R E 535514 N 3250525
Bomber aircraft located near the west gate of Lackland Air Force Base.
Waymark Code: WM3BZ2
Location: Texas, United States
Date Posted: 03/11/2008
Views: 7
RB-57A
"Canberra"
This is the only non-U.S. design aircraft adopted for service by the United
States Air Force after World War II. The first Martin-built Canberra flew
on 20 July 1953. The major modifications included the use of the Wright
J65-W-1 engines. The RB-57A, used from 1954 to 1957 by the 363rd Tactical
Air Command Reconnaissance Wing, held cameras and bombs. Production of
this variant totalled 67. The first B-57B flew on 28 June 1954 and was
delivered to Tactical Air Command in January 1955, production totalled 202.
The B-57B had different armament and a remodeled cockpit. Laser
modifications allowed the B-57B to be employed at night in Vietnam. This
versatile aircraft has been used for aerial policing of nuclear test-ban
treaties, electronic reconnaissance over Communist territory, training
missions, target towing, weather research , and intercept training. The
B-57B production ended n 1963.
Manufacturer: Martin |
Quantity Produced: 403 |
Wing Span: 64 ft |
Speed: 582 mph |
Length: 65 ft 6 in |
Power Plant: Wright J65-W-5 |
Height: 15 ft 7 in |
|
Empty Weight: 25,481 lb |
|
Gross Weight: 55,000 lb |
|
Information from sign in front of aircraft.