The B-66 was developed from the Navy A3D Skywarrior for USAF use as a tactical light bomber and photo reconnaissance aircraft. The RB-66A, one of the first five of these reconnaissance aircraft ordered as prototypes, was the first to fly on 28 June 1954. B-66s became operational in 1956 and production ended in 1958.
The B-66 was the last tactical bomber built for the USAF, and only the B-66B was designated exclusively as a bomber. Others served as tactical reconnaissance aircraft, while the final version, the WB-66D (of which 36 were built) was designated for electronic weather reconnaissance.
This example was last assigned to the 363rd Reconnaissance Wing at Shaw AFB, South Carolina in 1957 and retired from the 363rd in 1965. It was acquired by the Museum of Aviation in 1985.
Only seven B-66 airframes still exist, three of which are WB-66Ds.
Full serial 55-0392.
c/n 45024.
On display at the Warner Robins Museum of Aviation.
Georgia, USA.
18-4-2013.