General Dynamics modified a few additional B-57Bs to give Military Airlift Command's Air Weather Service its 17 WB-57F contingent. The WB-57Fs, former RB-57Fs as well as newly reconfigured B-57Bs, retained the RB-57F's price-$9 million each. The redesignated aircraft stayed at Kirtland AFB, with the same squadron, for very similar purposes. Among other duties, the 58th Squadron for years continued to fly high altitude radiation sampling missions to furnish data to the Defense Atomic Support Agency. In mid 1973, however, both the aircraft and the squadron neared their end. The Air Force planned to inactivate the 58th and to put all WB-57Fs out of the active inventory in mid 1974. Two of the aircraft were scheduled to go to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, where they were expected to support further high altitude sampling projects and the development of satellite systems.
SPECIFICATIONS: Span: 106 ft. 0 in. Length: 66+ ft. depending on variant Height: 15 ft. 7 in. Weight: Approx. 59,000 lbs. maximum takeoff weight Armament: None Engines: Two Pratt & Whitney J57-P-9 turbojets of 10,000 lbs. static thrust each Crew: One or two depending on variant
PERFORMANCE: Maximum speed: Approx. 600 mph at 45,000 ft. Cruising speed: Approx. 420 knots at 65,000 ft. Combat radius: Approx. 2,000 miles Service ceiling: Approx. 70,000 ft.
