Martin
B-57
Camberra
Previous U.S. MILITARY Next

Photo: Robert Deering 10/18/2012
National Museum of the USAF
Wright-Paterson AFB (FFO)
Dayton, Ohio
After the Korean War began in 1950, the U.S. Air Force looked for a jet-powered medium bomber to quickly replace the aging, propeller-driven Douglas B-26 (A-26) Invader. In March 1951 the USAF contracted with Martin to build the British English Electric Canberra in the United States under license. The Martin-built B-57 made its first flight in July 1953, and when production ended in 1959, a total of 403 Canberras had been produced for the USAF.

In 1965 the USAF sent two B-57B squadrons to South Vietnam. Until the last B-57B departed in November 1969, the 8th and 13th Bomb Squadrons flew many different types of missions, including close air support and night interdiction, in all combat areas in Southeast Asia.
SPECIFICATIONS: PERFORMANCE:
Span:   64 ft. Maximum speed:  570 mph
Length:  65 ft. 6 in. Cruising speed:  450 mph
Height:  15 ft. 6 in. Range:  2,000 miles
Empty Weight:  Service ceiling:  49,000 ft.
Gross Weight:  58,800 lbs. maximum  
Crew: 
Engines:  Two Wright J65-W-5 turbojets of 7200 lbs. static thrust each
Armament:  Eight .50-cal. M3 machine guns or four 20mm M39 cannons and approx. 7,500 lbs. maximum of internal and external stores
   
SOURCE:  National Museum of the United States Air Force  
   
1959 DOD Aircraft
Recognition Manual Page