In 1955, Martin developed a high-altitude version of the B-57 attack bomber to back-up and later supplement the still secret U-2. In Europe and the Far East, RB-57Ds were used for high altitude and electronic reconnaissance until grounded in 1963 due to metal fatigue in the wings. To fill the gap, a more advanced high altitude version, the RB-57F was developed and reportedly carried a heavy load to an extremely high altitude. A total of 21 B-57Fs were modified by General Dynamics between 1964 and 1966.

Like its predecessor, the RB/WB-57F was used to gather intelligence worldwide. In the hands of the 58th Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, the WB-57Fs collected air samples looking for evidence of Soviet and Chinese nuclear weapon tests. The U. S. Air Force retired the last of its WB-57Fs in 1974, but three aircraft continued to fly with NASA for high altitude research and earth resources missions.

The Warner Robins Air Logistics Center was responsible for the world-wide management of all B-57 variants, including the WB-57F, from 1955 until its transfer to San Antonio in 1990. The aircraft on display, originally built as a B-57B, was converted into its current configuration in 1964 and served with the 58th Weather Reconnaissance Squadron at Kirtland AFB, New Mexico until its retirement in 1972. It came to the Museum of Aviation in 1985 from the Military Aircraft Storage and Disposition Center, Davis Monthan AFB, Arizona.