Douglas B-66 Destroyer

The Douglas B‑66 Destroyer was a twin‑engine, jet‑propelled tactical bomber and reconnaissance aircraft built by the Douglas Aircraft Company for the United States Air Force. First flown in 1953 and entering service in 1956, the B‑66 was derived from the Navy’s A‑3 Skywarrior but was redesigned for higher altitude performance, a shorter fuselage and a crew of three. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney J57‑19B turbojet engines, the aircraft could reach speeds of roughly 620 mph, had a combat radius of about 1,300 km, and was equipped with pressurized compartments, advanced navigation aids, and a versatile payload capacity of up to 12,000 lb of bombs, rockets or missiles. Several specialized versions were produced, including the RB‑66C electronic‑warfare model and the WB‑66A photo‑reconnaissance variant, giving the type a prominent role in Cold‑War intelligence and electronic‑countermeasure missions. The Destroyer saw extensive action in Southeast Asia, providing high‑altitude strike and reconnaissance support during the Vietnam War. Its adaptability, combined with its robust airframe and cutting‑edge avionics, made the B‑66 a cornerstone of tactical airpower in the late 1950s‑early 1970s, influencing subsequent multirole jet designs.

Douglas

Douglas B-66 Destroyer

Classification

Production & History

Design & Classification