Martin B-57 Canberra

The jet bomber built as an American adaptation of a British design.

Overview

Glenn L. Martin United States ICAO: B-57 1953–1959 $1.2 million (1959)

The Martin B-57 Canberra was developed as a U.S.-built version of the British English Electric Canberra. Introduced in the 1950s, it served as a tactical bomber and reconnaissance aircraft. The aircraft saw combat during the Vietnam War.

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Specifications

Units
Engine
2 × Wright J65-W-5
Engine type
Jet
Thrust
2 × 7,220 lbf · 32 kN
Avionics
APW-11, SHORAN, APS-54 Radar
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
2
Crew
—
Cabin width
—
Cabin height
—
Cabin length
—
Exterior length
65 ft 7 in  ·  20.00 m
Tail height
14 ft 10 in  ·  4.52 m
Fuselage diameter
6 ft 7 in  ·  2.00 m
Wing span
64 ft 0 in  ·  19.50 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
53,500 lb  ·  24,400 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
7,300 lb  ·  3,300 kg
Fuel capacity
Max cruise speed
520 kt  ·  598 mph  ·  963 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
108 kt  ·  124 mph  ·  200 km/h
Range
2,360 nm  ·  2,720 mi  ·  4,370 km
Fuel burn
—
Ceiling
45,100 ft  ·  13,700 m
Rate of climb
6,180 ft/min  ·  31 m/s
Takeoff distance
2,050 ft  ·  630 m
Landing distance
2,050 ft  ·  630 m
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U.S. Air Force Martin B-57A Canberra (first production model)

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Operational Context

Martin B-57 Canberra — tactical jet bomber

The B-57 first flew in 1953 and entered service in 1954. Although based on the Canberra, it incorporated modifications for U.S. requirements. The aircraft featured a high-wing layout and twin-engine configuration.

Powered by two Wright J65 turbojet engines producing approximately 7,800 pounds of thrust (34.7 kN) each, the B-57 cruised at around 420 knots (778 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight exceeded 50,000 pounds (22,680 kg). The aircraft carried conventional bombs and reconnaissance equipment.

The B-57 operated in Vietnam in both bombing and reconnaissance roles. Later variants were adapted for specialized missions. The aircraft served for decades in various U.S. roles.