Years In Service: 1954-1983
Initial Flight: July 1953
The B-57 Canberra is the first jet bomber in U.S. service to drop bombs during combat. B-57s were sent to Vietnam in 1965 and used for daylight bombing, night interdiction, and reconnaissance missions. The National Guard operated EB-57s until 1982. The name ‘Canberra’ was adopted (after the Capital of Australia) by Australian Prime Minister Bob Menzies in January 1951.
Aircraft Specifications
Height: 15′ 6″ Wingspan: 64′ Length: 65′ 6″ Crew: 2 Armament: Eight .50-cal M3 machine guns or four 20mm M39 cannons Payload: Approx. 4,500 lbs. maximum of internal and 2,800 lbs. of external ordinance Thrust: 7,200 lbs. No. of Engines: 2 Cruise speed: 450 mph Max Speed: 597 mph Ceiling: 46,000 ft.