RB-57f
12-17-2009, 06:32 AM
#1
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RB-57f
Attended a 58th Weather Reconnaissance Squadron reunion dinner last weekend. Lots of fairy tales, lies and war stories. One of the attendees was the FAA Federal Air Surgeon who used to be a RB-57F pilot. (See page 8 of http://www.faa.gov/library/reports/m...0802_color.pdf
http://i546.photobucket.com/albums/h...lot/127879.jpg
The wings are twenty feet longer then a U-2R model.
http://i546.photobucket.com/albums/h...lot/127879.jpg
The wings are twenty feet longer then a U-2R model.
Last edited by Ftrooppilot; 12-17-2009 at 06:34 AM. Reason: Additional comment
12-17-2009, 03:33 PM
#3
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NASA has two RB-57s still flying out of Houston. I believe they have been re-designated WB-57s.
pretty amazing considering its original config and no, a Canberra was NOT the USAF B-57 although the -57 was adapted from the Canberra design.
and it aced out this design.
pretty amazing considering its original config and no, a Canberra was NOT the USAF B-57 although the -57 was adapted from the Canberra design.
and it aced out this design.
Last edited by III Corps; 12-17-2009 at 03:47 PM.
12-17-2009, 06:08 PM
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When the NASA Earth Resources WB-57Fs first flew there were three USAF pilots assigned to mission. I was one of them. USAF owned the aircraft and pilot; NASA owned the equipment and back seat. NASA got aircraft ownership when the 58th Weather Reconnaissance Squadron was closed.
The RB-57Fs were HIGHLY modified Martin B-57 C & D models. General Dynamics built the "F" which is the B-57 fuselage with new wings, engines, tail section, etc. - about 85% new airplane.
The original U-2 was a F104 fuselage with new wings bolted on (no spar through the fuselage) with no ejection seat until 1960. The original design did not include a landing gear. THe U-2R is essentially a new airplane with 102 feet of wing instead of the 82 found on the A,B and C Models.
The RB-57Fs were HIGHLY modified Martin B-57 C & D models. General Dynamics built the "F" which is the B-57 fuselage with new wings, engines, tail section, etc. - about 85% new airplane.
The original U-2 was a F104 fuselage with new wings bolted on (no spar through the fuselage) with no ejection seat until 1960. The original design did not include a landing gear. THe U-2R is essentially a new airplane with 102 feet of wing instead of the 82 found on the A,B and C Models.
Last edited by Ftrooppilot; 12-17-2009 at 06:55 PM.
12-17-2009, 06:13 PM
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12-17-2009, 06:48 PM
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Since we are on the subject of cameras, here is one that (in 1968) could photograph you from 70 miles away and you would be identified.
src="http://i546.photobucket.com/albums/h...ppilot/P65.jpg" border="0" alt="Camera"></a>
src="http://i546.photobucket.com/albums/h...ppilot/P65.jpg" border="0" alt="Camera"></a>
12-18-2009, 03:11 PM
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Agreed!
12-25-2009, 07:25 PM
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I was the highest person in the world
I love having those bragging rights. Huggy and Razor have been there. This is an exceptional U-2R video that depects the procedure and dangers of flights at 70,000 feet. The sound track is also exceptional. Go hi-def and crank up the speakers.
YouTube - Lockheed U-2 Flight - 70,000ft (2 Seat TU-2 Trainer)
YouTube - Lockheed U-2 Flight - 70,000ft (2 Seat TU-2 Trainer)
12-26-2009, 10:18 AM
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01-06-2010, 11:11 AM
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U-2 Fun
YouTube - James May U2 TRAINING AND EXTRA FLIGHT SCENES
Huggy and Razor should enjoy this one especially the altitude chamber rapid decompression to 75,000 feet. Note the 104 Kts IAS at 70,000 feet in the U-2 cockpit (7 minute point) and FULL stall landing at the nine minute point on the video.
Oh - to be young and doing that stuff again. Those pressure suits were "chick magnets."
I think Huggy is going for the record of being the oldest USAF pilot flying in pressure suits. The record (age 50) is held by Joe Putnam a RB-57F pilot in the 1960s.
Huggy and Razor should enjoy this one especially the altitude chamber rapid decompression to 75,000 feet. Note the 104 Kts IAS at 70,000 feet in the U-2 cockpit (7 minute point) and FULL stall landing at the nine minute point on the video.
Oh - to be young and doing that stuff again. Those pressure suits were "chick magnets."
I think Huggy is going for the record of being the oldest USAF pilot flying in pressure suits. The record (age 50) is held by Joe Putnam a RB-57F pilot in the 1960s.
