This Military Service Page was created/owned by
Mark Ellis-Family
to remember
Ellis, Gordon, MSgt USAF(Ret).
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Contact Info
Home Town Pontiac
Last Address U.K.
Date of Passing Nov 05, 1998
Official Badges
Unofficial Badges
1961-1963, RB-66 Destroyer
From Year 1961
To Year 1963
Personal Memories
Not Specified
Image
RB-66 Destroyer Details
Aircraft/Missile Information
RB-66 Destroyer The RB-66 reconnaissance aircraft and the B-66 medium bomber were the most advanced of their types in the United States Air Force when introduced in 1954 and 1955. In speed, range and capacity, the B-66 twin-jet with a three man crew met all tactical requirements for delivering the most potent weapons. The RB-66 was modified for use in night photo reconnaissance, electronics reconnaissance and weather reconnaissance. The B-66 "Destroyer" was developed from the Navy A-3D "Skywarrior" for USAF use as a tactical light bomber and photo reconnaissance aircraft, with production ending in 1958. The RB-66B recon version was the first production series and totaled 155 of the 294 B-66 built. The B-66 was the last tactical bomber built for the USAF, and only the B-66B was designed exclusively as a bomber, others served as tactical recon aircraft while the final version, the WB-66D, was designed for electronic weather reconnaissance. The RB-66B was modified for service in Vietnam having cameras mounted along the bottom of the fuselage and a chaff dispenser replaced the tail gun turret.
On 10 March 1964 an American RB-66 was shot down over East Germany.
Specifications Manufacturer: Douglas Aircraft Company Designation: RB-66 Nickname: Destroyer Type: General Reconnaissance Crew: Three Length: 75' 2" Height: 23' 7" Wingspan: 72' 6" Empty Weight: 43,476 lbs Gross Weight: 59,550 lbs Max Weight: 83,000 lbs No. of Engines: 2 Powerplant: Allison J71-A-13 turbojets (and) 12 - 1,000 lb JATO Bottles Thrust (each engine): 10,000 lbs Cruise Speed: 525 mph Max Speed: 585 mph Service Ceiling: 43,000 ft Range: 1,800 mi Guns: 2 - 20mm cannons Bombs: 8,044 lbs of photo flash bombs
