Douglas B-66 Destroyer

B-66 Destroyer
A Douglas B-66B (53-506) in flight
Role Light bomber
National origin United States
Manufacturer Douglas Aircraft Company
First flight 28 June 1954
Introduction 1956
Retired 1973 (USAF)
Primary user United States Air Force
Number built 294
Unit cost
US$2.55 million (RB-66B)[1]
Developed from Douglas A-3 Skywarrior
Developed into Northrop X-21

The Douglas B-66 Destroyer is an American strategic bomber. It was used by the US Air Force during the Cold War and the Vietnam War. It could carry a nuclear weapon. It is a variant of the A-3 Skywarrior. It was used between 1956 and 1975. Some variants were built as reconnaissance aircraft or electronic warfare, as RB-66 and EB-66.

About 145 of the 294 total built were the RB-66B reconnaissance version.[2] EB-66s were prominent in the skies over Vietnam during the Vietnam War, using electronic warfare to jam enemy air defense radars and missiles.[3]

References

  1. ↑ Knaack, Marcelle Size. Post-World War II Bombers, 1945-1973. Washington, DC: Office of Air Force History, 1988. ISBN 0-16-002260-6.
  2. ↑ "Douglas RB-66B Destroyer". National Museum of the United States Air Force. Retrieved 13 December 2024.
  3. ↑ "Blinding the Enemy: EB-66 Electronic Warfare over North Vietnam". National Museum of the United States Air Force. Retrieved 13 December 2024.



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