The B-57 is one of only two major combat aircraft of foreign design adopted for use by the United States military since the end of World War II. The first of the bomber variants went into service in 1954. In 1955, a major redesign of the Canberra was begun to develop a high-altitude reconnaissance version. This version called the RB-57D proved to be of limited use due to problems with the new long wing which eventually led to the grounding of the aircraft. General Dynamics designed an even larger wing that solved the problem. The RB-57Fs were rebuilt from earlier aircraft and given new serial numbers along with their new wings.
Wingspan
122 ft 5 in.
Length
68 ft 8 in.
Height
20 ft 5 in.
Weight
63,000 lbs (loaded)
Maximum Speed
483 MPH
Service Ceiling
64,000 ft
Range
3,910 miles
Engines
Two Pratt & Whitney TF33-P-11A turbojets with 16,500 pounds of thrust each and two Pratt & Whitney J60-P-9 turbojets with 2, 900 pounds of thrust each
Crew
2
Manufacturer Martin/General Dynamics
Markings National Aeronautics and Space Administration, 1975
Designation WB-57F
Registration N925NA
Serial Number 63-13501
Pima Air & Space Museum
Creating unlimited horizons in aerospace education through the preservation and presentation of the history of flight.