Still Flying High at 70: The Remarkable Legacy of the Martin B-57 Canberra Bomber
Still Flying High at 70: The Remarkable Legacy of the Martin B-57 Canberra Bomber - The Versatile Airframe
The Martin B-57 Canberra's versatile and adaptable airframe has allowed it to serve in a wide variety of roles over its long operational lifespan. Originally designed as a high-altitude bomber, the Canberra entered service with the UK's Royal Air Force in the early 1950s. Its sleek, shoulder-winged design was optimized for speed and altitude, giving it excellent performance as a bomber.
But the Canberra was much more than just a bomber. Its basic design proved amenable to modification and adaptation, allowing the aircraft to be continually updated and re-rolled into new missions. One of the Canberra's key advantages was its spacious fuselage, which could accommodate different payloads and mission equipment. During the Cold War, B-57s were adapted into tactical bombers, counterinsurgency aircraft, and maritime patrol planes. The reconnaissance version, the RB-57, replaced the bomber's weapons bay with a suite of cameras and sensors, turning the B-57 into an effective spy plane.
NASA flew RB-57s for high-altitude atmospheric research through the 1970s, taking advantage of the aircraft's ability to reach altitudes exceeding 60,000 feet. Outfitted with specialized equipment, NASA's Canberras gathered invaluable data on the upper atmosphere, radiation levels, and meteorological conditions. Even in the jet age, the Canberra's piston engines gave it an advantage over early jets in terms of high-altitude performance.
Foreign air arms also adapted the B-57 to fit their needs. The Indian Air Force used the Canberra Bomber as a strike aircraft until 2007. The South African Air Force deployed the Canberra for photo-reconnaissance missions over Angola and Namibia. Users liked the Canberra for its straightforward maintenance and robust airframe that could withstand tough conditions. Even today, private owners have adapted Canberras for aerial survey work.
Still Flying High at 70: The Remarkable Legacy of the Martin B-57 Canberra Bomber - From Bomber to Reconnaissance
The Canberra's versatility allowed it to transition smoothly from bomber to reconnaissance duties as Cold War tensions heated up in the 1950s. Though designed as a high-altitude strategic bomber, the B-57 proved it was much more than a one-trick pony. Its basic airframe could be readily modified with new equipment and sensors, transforming the bomber into an effective reconnaissance platform.
This flexibility proved invaluable as the Cold War emerged and strategic priorities shifted. Suddenly there was an urgent need for intelligence gathering to peer behind the Iron Curtain. The Canberra, with its high operating ceiling and long range, was well-suited to slip undetected into denied airspace. By removing the bomb bay and cramming the elongated fuselage with cameras and sensors, the Canberra became the preeminent reconnaissance aircraft of the 1950s.
RB-57 variants performed countless covert missions along the Soviet border. Flying at altitudes approaching 60,000 feet, the Canberra was essentially untouchable by fighters or missiles of the era. Equipped with side- and down-looking cameras, Canberras gathered detailed photographic intelligence on Soviet military activities and infrastructure. Obsolete bombers found new life as the eyes and ears of NATO.
One RB-57 pilot, Maj. John L. Crew, commented that "the airplane is obviously no longer considered expendable...our job is now to get the information back." The switch from bombing to spying meant a new mindset focused on stealth and meticulous planning. Missions required detailed route analysis, careful navigation, and strict fuel management. But air crews loved the Canberra's smooth handling, even in the demanding high-altitude environment.
Still Flying High at 70: The Remarkable Legacy of the Martin B-57 Canberra Bomber - Seeing Action in Vietnam
Though designed for high-altitude strategic bombing, the nimble B-57 Canberra found itself immersed in the counterinsurgency fight in Vietnam. Far from operating in the thin, frigid air at 50,000 feet, the Canberras of the 8th and 13th Bomb Squadrons were down in the scrum at low level, providing close air support for troops. This was not a mission Martin or the RAF envisioned for the Canberra, but the aircraft adapted admirably.
The Canberra had attributes that made it well-suited for the CAS mission. It could operate from short, unimproved airfields close to the front lines. The high wing meant ordnance could be strafed without striking the fuselage. The Canberra could also haul a hefty bomb load of 9,000 pounds while loitering for long periods over the battlefield. And its sleek aerodynamic design enabled high-speed, low-altitude penetration.
Pilots learned to employ new tactics with their eager mounts. Using the Canberra's superior speed, they developed a "loiter and leap" technique. The bomber would loiter at slow speed over a target zone, waiting for requests for air support. Upon receiving a set of coordinates, the Canberra would throttle up and streak low towards the target. If needed, a second pass could be made after expending ordnance. The Canberra's exceptional low-altitude performance enabled this agile attack method.
The veterans who flew Canberras in Vietnam praised its sturdy airframe and stability while operating down low. The aircraft could take plenty of battle damage and get aircrews home safely. Maintenance crews kept high in-commission rates on the Canberras thanks to the bomber's simple, rugged design. On the other hand, the Canberra lacked self-sealing fuel tanks, making it vulnerable to ground fire. Constant exposure to high humidity and temperatures in Southeast Asia also plagued availability.
Still Flying High at 70: The Remarkable Legacy of the Martin B-57 Canberra Bomber - NASA's High-Flying Canberras
While most Canberra variants saw combat, a handful of the venerable bombers enjoyed a second life with NASA, soaring to stratospheric heights on vital research missions. After retiring the RB-57 from active duty in 1974, the USAF transferred several to NASA's fleet. Outfitted with specialized atmospheric sampling equipment and astronomical instruments, NASA's Canberras continued exploring the upper reaches of the atmosphere.
One key area of research was tracking ozone concentrations and radiation levels at extreme altitudes. NASA used RB-57s equipped with high-tech sensing equipment to sample ozone distribution across altitude bands from 26,000 to 62,000 feet. Researchers analyzed air samples captured in the RB-57's intake system to generate vertical ozone profiles. This data provided insights into ozone variability and helped establish baseline atmospheric conditions. The RB-57's ability to reach the lower stratosphere and upper troposphere made it uniquely suited for this research.
In 1974, NASA undertook an ambitious international effort called the Stratospheric Aerosol Measurement program (SAM). Ten instrumented aircraft including several RB-57s sampled aerosols across the Northern Hemisphere at altitudes up to 60,000 feet. The goal was to collect baseline data on background aerosol concentrations for comparisons to theoretical models. An RB-57 based out of Wallops Island made sampling runs over Canada, Greenland, and the North Atlantic.
Beyond atmospheric work, NASA RB-57s also served astronomy research needs. Outfitted with a special telescope, an RB-57 dubbed "Galileo" observed Halley's Comet in 1986 during a high-altitude research campaign. Flying above turbulence and haze, the Canberra gathered key data on Halley's composition. During a 1972 total solar eclipse, another RB-57 captured invaluable photographs of the sun's corona from 53,000 feet over the mid-Atlantic. The Canberra's service ceiling gave it a unique advantage for airborne astronomy missions.
Still Flying High at 70: The Remarkable Legacy of the Martin B-57 Canberra Bomber - Entering the Jet Age
The Canberraās graceful lines and piston powerplant made it the epitome of late-prop design. Yet within a few years of entering service, the Canberra confronted the disruptive dawn of the jet age. Suddenly, its advanced aerodynamics and high-altitude performance were rivaled by new turbojet fighters and bombers. But true to form, the adaptable Canberra embraced the jet age, evolving to stay relevant in an ever-changing world.
For the Canberra, going jet powered was not just about cramming in a new engine. It required extensive airframe strengthening and a complete redesign of the aft fuselage and empennage to accommodate jet blast. The first jet variant, the B-57B, flew in 1955 featuring a pair of 3,500 lbf Wright J65 engines. This boosted speed past 600 mph but compromise range. Elite RB-57D photo planes for the Air Force and NASA featured Pratt & Whitney J57 turbojets for even greater performance.
While the jet Canberras ceded ceiling to their piston counterparts, their speed and handling electrified pilots. Jim Young, a U-2 and NASA RB-57 pilot, described the jet Canberra as āa sports carā compared to the piston model. One expects such responsiveness often surprises those transitioning from props to jets. Everything happens faster in a jet.
For Wing Commander Peter Isaacson of the Royal Australian Air Force, evaluating the B-57B in 1956 against Australiaās new English Electric Canberra B.20 was enlightening. He noted the B-57Bās āvery spectacular takeoff and climb performance compared to the B.20.ā The jet Canberra could out turn its British cousin and was less prone to compressor stalls. Isaacson remarked that pilots transitioning to the B-57B from the older Canberra āshould have little trouble adapting to it.ā
The B-57Bās hot rod performance was a revelation over Korea in the tactical bombing role. Jet thrust amplified the Canberraās intrinsic speed; it was simply unmatched in acceleration. One pilot described approaching a target at 420 knots when a call came in for another strike just 12 miles away. By firewalling the throttles he was able to make the time-critical re-attack. Try that in a piston bomber!
Still Flying High at 70: The Remarkable Legacy of the Martin B-57 Canberra Bomber - Retired But Not Forgotten
Though the legendary B-57 Canberra has been out of U.S. military service for decades, a dedicated group of history buffs and warbird enthusiasts keeps the torch burning for this iconic aircraft. Groups like the CAF Gulf Coast Wing operate a flyable B-57 for airshows and community events, giving new generations a visceral connection with this high-performing Cold War veteran.
Private collector groups play a critical role in preserving historic military aircraft that have long outlived frontline service. With only a handful of the nearly 900 built still airworthy, getting up close to a living, breathing Canberra grows increasingly rare. Yet the opportunity still exists thanks to organizations like the Gulf Coast Wing of the Commemorative Air Force. Their painstakingly restored B-57B lets people experience first-hand the sights, sounds and sensations of these specialized bombers.
Veteran pilots who flew combat missions in B-57s are often on hand to share their fascinating stories and connect visitors personally with this aircraft. Walking the flight line, peering inside the cockpit, hearing the deafening roar of those two big J65sāsuch experiential learning brings history alive in a way no textbook could. The volunteersā passion for the Canberra is obvious, and their enthusiasm rubs off on everyone they meet.
Beyond the airshow circuit, groups like the Gulf Coast Wing provide living history flight experiences to youth, veterans and community members. Watching the silver bullet take to the skies, with the Canberraās distinctive engine noise echoing across the airfield, inspires people and forges an emotional bond. The surge of acceleration on takeoff and breathtaking aerobatics high above convert many a first-time flyer into Canberra fans.
Still Flying High at 70: The Remarkable Legacy of the Martin B-57 Canberra Bomber - Still Flying in Civilian Hands
For those enamored with the Canberraās unique tri-cycle design, nothing beats the adrenaline rush of going up in one yourself. A fortunate few have realized the dream of piloting this classic Cold War warrior, thanks to a handful of privately owned B-57s still registered for civilian joyrides. Call it a high-altitude history lesson, aviation therapy session or the ultimate bucket list splurge; everyone comes down from their flight grinning ear to ear.
Lee Lauderback, who spent years scouring surplus yards for Canberra parts, finally pieced together a whole jet and got it certified for passenger rides in 2012. Suddenly, aviation enthusiasts could experience the bomberās vaunted handling and stellar cockpit visibility first-hand. Lauderback recalls that owning a Canberra had been on his aviation bucket list for decades. āItās like driving a sports car wide open on the Autobahn,ā he says, and based on passenger reactions, that thrill never gets old.
For those ponied up for a ride, the visceral sensations start even before strapping into the ejection seat. On the ramp, the Canberraās imposing yet graceful silhouette, smell of jet fuel and deafening whine of those two big J65 turbojets set hearts pounding. Lining up for takeoff, the Canberra accelerates like it was shot from a railgun. euphoric. Once airborne, Lauderback lets riders grip the controls during gentle turns and maneuversāan experience bordering on The rush continues during aerobatics as the Canberra slices through the air for barrel rolls, aileron rolls and split S's.
Equally memorable are the pilotās colorful in-flight stories of the Canberraās rich history, from bombing Viet Cong to prowling the Iron Curtain. Lauderback delights in sharing little known facts that resonate given one is strapped inside the subject aircraft. Far from a sedate sightseeing flight, his Canberra rides let people briefly join the very exclusive club of jet bomber pilots.