| B-66 RB-66 EB-66 RB-66B RB-66C EB-66C WB-66 WB-66D EB-66B EB-66E Douglas Destroyer A-3 EA-3 TAKHLI TAHKLI KORAT SHAW |
| Douglas Destroyer Home Page B-66, RB-66, EB-66, and WB-66 |
 |
| Douglas RB-66B Destroyer The Douglas Destroyer was initially manufactured in two separate versions--a reconnaissance version designated RB-66B (Douglas Model 1329) and a bomber version designated B-66B (Douglas Model 1327A). They were basically similar in overall configuration, differing primarily in the equipment carried. The RB-66B carried flash bombs in its bomb bay for night photography missions and was equipped with a battery of reconnaissance cameras. The RB-66B could be fitted with a removable inflight refueling probe attached to the right side of the forward fuselage. The first RB-66B flew in March of 1955, and deliveries began on February 1, 1956. 145 RB-66Bs were built, which made this version numerically the most important of the Destroyer variants. The RB-66B was basically similar to the RB-66A pre-production aircraft, differing in being powered by Allison J71-A-11 turbojets. Higher-thrust J71-A-13 turbojets were fitted at the factory to the last 17 RB-66Bs built, and earlier machines were retrofitted with these engines. The first RB-66Bs were issued to the 9th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron of the 363rd Tactical Reconnaissance Wing, based at Shaw AFB in South Carolina in January of 1956. They replaced the obsolescent RB-26 Invader. Two more squandrons within the 363rd TRW, the 41st and the 43rd, were equipped with RB-66Bs by the end of the year. The RB-66B very soon became the primary night photographic reconnaissance weapon system of the Tactical Air Command. The 12th TRS based at Itami, Japan, received its first RB-66Bs by the end of 1956. Two RB-66B squadrons were activated within the USAF in Europe. In the mid-1960s, 52 RB-66Bs were modified as EB-66E electronic countermeasures aircraft. All of the reconnaissance equipment was removed and replaced by electronic jamming equipment. The tail turret was removed, and automatic jamming equipment was fitted in its place. Numerous antennae protruded from the aircraft, and chaff dispensing pods were carried. The EB-66E crew consisted of a Pilot, Navigator and an Electroic Warfare Officer (EWO). Part of the modification was to move the navigator's station to the former gunner's position and equip the former navigator's station for the EWO. EB-66E's were used during the Vietnam War as electronic warfare aircraft, joining strike aircraft during their missions over North Vietnam to jam enemy radar installations. Specification of Douglas RB-66B Destroyer: Engines: Two Allison J71-A-11 or -13 turbojets, 10,200 lb.s.t. Performance: Maximum speed 631 mph at 6000 feet. Cruising speed 525 mph. Initial climb rate 5000 feet per minute. Service ceiling 38,900 feet. 925 miles combat radius. Maximum rang 2425 miles. Weights: 43,476 pounds empty, 59,550 pounds loaded, 83,000 pounds maximum Dimensions: Wingspan 72 feet 6 inches, length 75 feet 2 inches, height 23 feet 7 inches, wing area 780 square feet. Armament: 2 20-mm cannon in remotely-controlled tail turret. Sources: 4. Post World War II Bombers, Marcelle Size Knaack, Office of Air Force History, 1988. 5. McDonnell Douglas Aircraft Since 1920, Volume 1. Rene Francillon, Naval Institute Press, 1988 6. United States Military Aircraft Since 1909, Gordon Swanborough and Peter M. Bowers, Smithsonian Institution Press, 1989. |
|