|
|
|
|
Douglas WB-66D "Destroyer"
The B-66 was developed from the Navy A3D Skywarrior for USAF use as a tactical light bomber and photo reconnaissance aircraft. An RB-66A, one of five reconnaissance aircraft ordered as prototypes, was first to fly on June 28, 1954. B-66s became operational in 1956; production ended in 1958. The RB-66B reconnaissance version was the first production series and totaled 155 of the 294 B-66s built.
The B-66 was the last tactical bomber built for the USAF and the only B-66 designed exclusively as a bomber. Others served as tactical reconnaissance aircraft while the final version, WB-66D, was designed for electronic weather reconnaissance. Some B-66s were modified for service in Vietnam as electronic countermeasures aircraft to confuse enemy radar defenses. Warner Robins Air Logistics Center assumed logistics management responsibility for the B-66 in 1965 due to phase-out of the Mobile Air Materiel Area at Brookley AFB, Alabama. However, Warner Robins Air Logistics Center inspected, winterized, and flight-tested 83 of these aircraft under Project High Flight in 1957-58.
The WB-66D on display was acquired from Shaw AFB, South Carolina, in 1984. Restoration was started by Middle Georgia Technical Institute and is ongoing by Macon Technical Institute.
SPECIFICATIONS |
Serial # : |
55-392 |
Wingspan: |
72' 6" |
Cost: |
$2,334,000 |
Length: |
75' 2" |
Max. Speed: |
585 mph |
Height: |
23' 7" |
Range: |
1,800 miles without refueling |
Weight: |
91,000 lbs. maximum |
Service Ceiling: |
43,000 feet |
Engines: |
(2) Allison J71s of 10,200 lbs. thrust each
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|