Martin EB-57B Canberra
The B-57 is a modified version of the
English Electric Canberra which was first flown in Britain on May 13,
1949, and later produced for the Royal Air Force (RAF). After the Korean
Conflict began in 1950, the USAF looked for a jet medium bomber to replace
the aging Douglas B-26 Invader. In March 1951, the USAF contracted with
the Glenn L. Martin Co. to build the Canberra in the U.S. under a
licensing agreement with English Electric. The Martin-built B-57 made its
first flight on July 20, 1953, and when production ended in 1959, a total
of 403 Canberras had been produced for the USAF.
SPECIFICATIONS
Span: 64 ft.
Length: 65 ft. 6 in.
Height: 15 ft. 6 in.
Weight: 58,800 lbs. max.
Armament: None
Engines: Two Wright J65-W-5s or two Buick J65-BW-5s of 7,220 lbs.
thrust each
Crew: Pilot and electronic warfare officer
Cost: $1,264,000
PERFORMANCE
Maximum speed: 570 mph.
Cruising speed: 450 mph.
Range: 2,000 miles
Service Ceiling: 49,000 ft.
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