Douglas Destroyer

[RMAllnutt]

I believe that Raytheon still operates a small fleet of A-3 Skywarriors in an R&D capacity.

Cheers,
Richard

[Clifford Bossie]

I believe that Raytheon still operates a small fleet of A-3 Skywarriors in an R&D capacity.

Cheers,
Richard

Raytheon operated at least one Whale for the US Army into the 80s as part of the Patriot missile program:





Part of the problem with the B-66 was that it was a plane TAC did not really need. The tactical nuclear role could be handled by a Hun, or a Thud. The recce role could be handled by RF-84s and RF-101s. The B-66 was bigger than all of those, cost more to operate and maintain and didn't do the job any better and for the strategic roles it could not compete with B-52s, RB-47s and EB-47s. It really only came into its own in the ECM role. It still looked really cool and unlike the Whale had ejection seats!

[DaveG]

another one from the LIFE archive:



War And Conflict
Flying under radar control w. B-66 Destroyer, Air Force F-105 Thunderchief pilots
bomb military target through low clouds over southern panhandle of North Vietnam, during Vietnam War.
Location: Vietnam
Date taken: June 14, 1966
Photographer: Cecil J. Poss

[Cubs]

According to the Destroyer Association newsletter there are only seven B-66 type aircraft in existence.

Wow..I didn't realize they were that rare.

SN

There was an RB-66B at Florence, SC until the USAF had it scrapped in 1998. By the way,
if anyone has a photo of 53-431 during it's operational life, I'd like to see it.

[The Inspector]

Anyone have pictures of that white F-102A in the background??

[Clifford Bossie]

Anyone have pictures of that white F-102A in the background??

This one?

[viking73]

Thanks for the neat shot of the first PQM-102 in the Sperry house colors Cliff!

I don't suppose you have enough drone shots from Holloman to, I don't know, maybe start a thread here about them?

-Derek

[Clifford Bossie]

Thanks for the neat shot of the first PQM-102 in the Sperry house colors Cliff!

I don't suppose you have enough drone shots from Holloman to, I don't know, maybe start a thread here about them?

-Derek

I'll have to see what I have Derek. But most of my shots from that era are not very good.

[Brad]

Some of the survivors:


53-0431 Was at Florence SC but I have no idea what happened to it.Probably got scrapped with so much of the other stuff.


53-0412 Chanute AFB


55-0392 Warner Robins AFB, GA


55-0395 Pima Air Museum


55-0390 Lackland AFB


53-0466 Dyess AFB.

This is the link to the pictures and some of the back story that was posted a while ago.
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=25630

I took this picture about two months ago, nothing has changed with the airplane but the windshield frame is blown out with corrosion now and some of the panels are laying on the ground.

[Clifford Bossie]

RB-66B 53-0475 at the NMUSAF



A nose section in storage at AMARG. This might be all that remains of 53-0431.

[RareBear]

Here's the RB-66C-DT (Converted to EB-66 in 1966) that's on display at Shaw AFB in South Carolina. It's s/n 54-0465.

Walt

[delostheta]

Hello, I am new. I came across WIX while looking for EB-66 pics. I was stationed at SHAW from '66-'68 and assigned to the 4416. Which I think was part of the 363rd. TRW.

I was a computer programmer and in '68 transferred to a unit flying the EB-66. The work was developing what eventually became Wild Weasel. I had flight status, but never went up. I kept getting promised, but my little crew of two, I was a sergeant and an airman never got ahead of dealing with data to take time to fly.

I really regret not having the interest and awareness then that I do now. I can't remember many facts. One of the pilots was Capt. Roberts, and another, Capt. Chet (first name) was my direct superior.

I didn't save any records, only my 214. No pictures. My dress blues are all that is left.

I'd like to visit SHAW and be a tourist. I plan to call the base and see if I would be allowed.

I live in Oshkosh, WI and right now the EAA convention is starting.

Regards, Jeff Richards

[67N20]

Chanute's B66 as of July 4, 2010

[b747cf]

Here is my shot of the one from Florence,SC.


Mark Fidler

[Pogmusic]

The WB-66 at Robins is in much better condition than that pictured above. However, I don't think it has ever been completely restored. When I was one of the Historians there, the local Tech Scool was getting it close and then a truck hit the wing... It has been in "restoration mode" FOR EVER!!!!!