Martin B-57 Canberra – Foto e Video

Le Martin B-57 Canberra è un bombardiere tattico e ricognitore bijet di costruzione americana entrato in servizio con la United States Air Force (USAF) nel 1953. Il B-57 è una versione costruita su licenza della British English Electric Canberra, prodotta dalla Glenn L. Martin Company. I primi modelli Martin-build erano molto simili alle loro controparti costruite in Gran Bretagna; Martin in seguito modificò il progetto per incorporare maggiori quantità di componenti di provenienza statunitense e produsse l'aereo in diverse varianti.

fonte: Martin B-57 Canberra su Wikipedia

The Martin B-57 Canberra was a twin-engine jet-powered light bomber and reconnaissance aircraft developed by the American company Martin from the British English Electric Canberra. It was the first American jet bomber to drop bombs during combat. The B-57 entered service with the United States Air Force (USAF) in 1953 and served until 1983. It also saw service with the Pakistan Air Force and the Republic of China Air Force.
The B-57 was designed to perform high-altitude bombing missions, but it proved to be versatile and adaptable to various roles, such as tactical bombing, interdiction, close air support, night intruder, electronic warfare, photo reconnaissance, and nuclear strike. It participated in several conflicts, including the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, and the Six-Day War. The B-57 was also used for scientific and meteorological research, as well as for testing new weapons and systems.
The B-57 had a crew of two: a pilot and a navigator/bombardier. It had a wingspan of 64 feet (19.5 m), a length of 65 feet (19.8 m), and a height of 15 feet (4.6 m). It had a maximum speed of 597 mph (960 km/h) at sea level and 570 mph (917 km/h) at 40,000 feet (12,200 m). It had a range of 2,040 miles (3,280 km) with external fuel tanks and a service ceiling of 48,000 feet (14,600 m). It could carry up to 10,000 pounds (4,540 kg) of bombs or rockets in an internal bomb bay and underwing pylons. It was armed with four 0.50-inch (12.7 mm) machine guns in the tail for self-defense.