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Douglas RB-66B Destroyer

Published May 15, 2015

DAYTON, Ohio -- Douglas RB-66B Destroyer at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo)
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DAYTON, Ohio -- Douglas RB-66B Destroyer at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo)

DAYTON, Ohio -- Douglas RB-66B Destroyer at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo)
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DAYTON, Ohio -- Douglas RB-66B Destroyer at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo)

DAYTON, Ohio -- Douglas RB-66B Destroyer in the Southeast Asia War Gallery at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo)
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DAYTON, Ohio -- Douglas RB-66B Destroyer in the Southeast Asia War Gallery at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo)

DAYTON, Ohio -- Douglas RB-66B Destroyer in the Southeast Asia War Gallery at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo)
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DAYTON, Ohio -- Douglas RB-66B Destroyer in the Southeast Asia War Gallery at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo)

DAYTON, Ohio -- Douglas RB-66B cockpit at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo)
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DAYTON, Ohio -- Douglas RB-66B cockpit at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo)

DAYTON, Ohio -- Douglas RB-66B cockpit at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo)
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DAYTON, Ohio -- Douglas RB-66B cockpit at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo)

DAYTON, Ohio -- Douglas RB-66B cockpit at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo)
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DAYTON, Ohio -- Douglas RB-66B cockpit at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo)

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The B-66 was developed from the U.S. Navy A3D Skywarrior as a tactical light bomber and photo reconnaissance aircraft. The RB-66B photo reconnaissance version became the first production series and totaled 145 of the 294 B-66s built. The USAF also developed a weather reconnaissance version, and various electronic countermeasures (ECM) versions.

ECM B-66s became very important elements in strikes against North Vietnam. They could detect enemy radar emissions and jam their signals, thereby confusing enemy defenses. In addition, some B-66s flew pathfinder missions, guiding F-105 and F-4 bombing strikes through bad weather.

The aircraft on display flew combat missions in Southeast Asia and was delivered to the museum in 1970.

TECHNICAL NOTES:
Armament: Two 20mm cannons in tail and 8,044 lbs. of photo flash bombs
Engines: Two Allison J71s of 10,200 lbs. thrust each
Maximum speed: 585 mph
Cruising speed: 525 mph
Range: 1,800 miles
Ceiling: 43,000 ft.
Span: 72 ft. 6 in.
Length: 75 ft. 2 in.
Height: 23 ft. 7 in.
Weight: 91,000 lbs. maximum
Serial number: 53-0475

Click here to return to the Southeast Asia War Gallery.

 

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