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B-66B Destroyer
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by Rob "Bunyap" McCray
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The B-66B was developed strictly as a tactical
bomber and was the last bomber of this type procured by the USAF. The -B
model was based on the RB-66A which was in turn adapted from the US Navy A3D
Skywarrior. The B-66B made its first flight on 4 January 1955, about 6
months after the initial flight of the RB-66A. The USAF received its first
production aircraft in March 1956 and deliveries continued into 1958.
The B-66B was the first USAF bomber designed with in-flight refueling (IFR) capability, although many (numerically) earlier bombers were fitted with IFR equipment as a retrofit modification or on later models in the development cycle. A total of 62 B-66B bombers were built. Many -B models were converted to electronic warfare aircraft after their usefulness as bombers was complete. Many of these aircraft, designated as EB-66B or EB-66E, served in Sotheast Asia during the Vietnam war. |
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