The Douglas Destroyer was initially manufactured in two separate versions--a reconnaissance version designated RB-66B (Douglas Model 1329) and a bomber version designated B-66B (Douglas Model 1327A). They were basically similar in overall configuration, differing primarily in the equipment carried. The RB-66B carried flash bombs in its bomb bay for night photography missions and was equipped with a battery of reconnaissance cameras. The RB-66B could be fitted with a removable inflight refuelling probe attached to the right side of the forward fuselage.
The first RB-66B flew in March of 1955, and deliveries began on February 1, 1956. 145 RB-66Bs were built, which made this version numerically the most important of the Destroyer variants. The RB-66B was basically similar to the RB-66A pre-production aircraft, differing in being powered by Allison J71-A-11 turbojets. Higher-thrust J71-A-13 turbojets were fitted at the factory to the last 17 RB-66Bs built, and earlier machines were retrofitted with these engines.
The first RB-66Bs were issued to the 9th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron of the 363rd Tactical Reconnaissance Wing, based at Shaw AFB in South Carolina in January of 1956. They replaced the obsolescent RB-26 Invader. Two more squandrons within the 363rd TRW, the 41st and the 43rd, were equipped with RB-66Bs by the end of the year. The RB-66B very soon became the primary night photographic reconnaissance weapon system of the Tactical Air Command.
The 12th TRS baseed at Itami, Japan, received its first RB-66Bs by the end of 1956. Two RB-66B squadrons were activated within the USAF in Europe.
In the mid-1960s, 52 RB-66Bs were modified as EB-66E electronic countermeasures aircraft. All of the reconnaissance equipment was removed and replaced by electronic jamming equipment. The tail turret was removed, and automatic jamming equipment was fitted in its place. Numerous antennae protruded from the aircraft, and chaff dispensing pods were carried. They were used during the Vietnam War as electronic warfare aircraft, joining strike aircraft during their missions over North Vietnam to jam enemy radar installations.
Engines: Two Allison J71-A-11 or -13 turbojets, 10,200 lb.s.t.
Performance: Maximum speed 631 mph at 6000 feet. Cruising speed 525 mph.
Initial climb rate 5000 feet per minute. Service ceiling 38,900 feet. 925 miles combat radius.
Maximum rang 2425 miles.
Weights: 43,476 pounds empty, 59,550 pounds loaded, 83,000 pounds maximum
Dimensions: Wingspan 72 feet 6 inches, length 75 feet 2 inches, height 23 feet 7 inches,
wing area 780 square feet.
Armament: 2 20-mm cannon in remotely-controlled tail turret.
53-0409/0481 Douglas RB-66B-DL Destroyer 0412 modified to test radar and control system of Boeing-MARC BOMARC missile. 0413 converted to NB-66B. 0421 used to test P&W TF33 turbofan. 0480 converted to EB-66E. 54-0417/0446 Douglas RB-66B-DL Destroyer c/n 44717/44746 0417 converted to EB-66E 0419 converted to EB-66E 0423 converted to EB-66E 0424 converted to EB-66E 0426 converted to EB-66E 0429 converted to EB-66E 0431 converted to EB-66E 0434 converted to EB-66E 0435 converted to EB-66E 0438 converted to EB-66E 0439 converted to EB-66E 0440 converted to EB-66E 0441 converted to EB-66E 0442 converted to EB-66E 0443 converted to EB-66E 0445 converted to EB-66E 0446 converted to EB-66E 54-0506/0547 Douglas RB-66B-DL Destroyer c/n 44806/44847 0506 converted to EB-66E 0507 converted to EB-66E 0508 converted to EB-66E 0509 converted to EB-66E 0510 converted to EB-66E 0511 converted to EB-66E 0514 converted to EB-66E 0515 converted to EB-66E 0516 converted to EB-66E 0519 converted to EB-66E 0520 converted to EB-66E 0521 converted to EB-66E 0522 converted to EB-66E 0523 converted to EB-66E 0524 converted to EB-66E 0525 converted to EB-66E 0526 converted to EB-66E 0527 converted to EB-66E 0528 converted to EB-66E 0529 converted to EB-66E 0531 converted to EB-66E 0532 converted to EB-66E 0533 converted to EB-66E 0534 converted to EB-66E 0536 converted to EB-66E 0537 converted to EB-66E 0539 converted to EB-66E 0540 converted to EB-66E 0542 converted to EB-66E 0546 converted to EB-66E