Lesser Known B-66 Activities

Lesser Known B-66 Contributions
to National Security

Here are some little known operations that various B-66s participated in between 1952 to 1976. These are in addition to the tradition tactical, bomb, electronic, photo and weather reconnaissance missions flown by the B-66B, E/RB-66C, EB-66B and the WB-66D models that are well documented.

FOR GENERAL DESCRIPTIONS OF VARIOUS B-66 VERSIONS

1. B-66B - On Victor Alert loaded with nuclear weapons readied for immediate launch on enemy targets behind the Iron Curtain. This was a top secret operation in its time.

2. B-66B - Three bomb squadrons that were used to attack Soviet submarines operating in the Mediterranean Sea. This was a top secret operation in its time.

3. EB-66B (Brown Cradle) - Providing radar navigation, targeting and escort ECM support to FB-105s and F-4s flying bomb missions over North Vietnam.

4. EB-66C and EB-66B - Stand-off ECM and threat alert support along the Red River Valley in support of Fighter Bombers entering and departing North Vietnam.

5. RB-66C (SN: 54-467) - Used as an airborne communications relay and command post in Europe. The rear EWO compartment had red carpeting, along with a coffee maker on board. The plane was transferred to Tahkli RTAFB, Thailand in Feb 1966. The crew chief was: Peter S. Cuipenski.

6. RB-66C - Peripheral Electronic Reconnaissance missions around Cuba prior to and after the missile crisis. This was an ongoing mission flying out of MacDill AFB, FL. Missions were flown every 3rd day along the north coast and sometimes around the west-end and along the south side to Puerto Rico.

7. RB-66C - Couriered photos of Soviet missile systems taken over Cuba from MacDill AFB, FL to Langley AFB, VA. The photos were taken by RF-101s in support of the Cuban Crisis.

9. RB-66B - Infrared Imagery reconnaissance missions were flown by the 16th Squadron over North Vietnam during night time to detect enemy encampments (camp fires). One aircraft crashed into a mountain while perfoming one of these missions.

10. WB-66D - Laminar Flow Control Experiments at Shaw AFB, SC - 1965.
The X-21 program consisted of a pair of WB-66D's modified by Northrop to conduct Laminar Flow Control wing studies. Laminar-flow control is a technology that offers the potential for improvements in aircraft fuel usage, range or endurance that far exceed any known single aeronautical technology.

11. RB-66C - Peripheral Electronic Reconnaissance missions along the East German "known as May Ann missions" for several years. Occaisionally a selected mission would "inadvertently" fly into East Germany at low altitude while a couple RB-66Cs loitered outside to collect electronic intelligence concerning East Germany air defenses .

12. WB-66D - Weather Recon missions of aerial refueling areas to confirm that visibility would be sufficient prior to the departure of fighter units deploying to Europe. Bermuda was the support base to refuel and maintain the WB-66D aircraft.

13. The WB-66D and RB-66B was sent from Shaw AFB, SC to Turkey in July 1958 in support of an operation. There were RF-101 and F-100 aircraft also on the base in Turkey in support of the same operation. They stayed there for about 2 months. The WB-66D also flew out of the Azores in support of fighter aircraft flying from the US to overseas bases and back to the US.

14. RB-66C - For a brief time in late 1959, early 1960s RB-66C's of the 11th TRS, (Yokota, AB Japan) flew out of Hickam AFB, Hawaii to track incoming satellites to be caught airborne before touchdown in the Pacific Ocean by C-119's. Receiving antennas were mounted on the top of the RB-66C's to receive the signals from the satellites returning from space. Note: This operation did not last long as Navy wanted and took over the mission. We were hoping the 11the TRS would move there as the squadron was being closed out in Japan and SAC RB-47's taking over our electronic reconnaissance missions. Submitted by Dick Miles 11thTRS & 41st TEWS, Col USAF, Ret.

15. RB-66C - Support to C-130 "Buffalo Hunter" missions. The C-130s would drop a recon drone from under their wing and remotely control it throughout its mission over North Vietnam. Flying above a C-130 at the same air speed. Even with gear and flaps down, the C-130 was still slower. We flew circles around the C-130 to provide electronic support.

16. There also was a B-66 test squadron in the 17th Bomber Wing at Hurlburt Field, Florida that tested new equipment upgrades intended for use on various B-66 models.

17. The RB-66 mission was to probe Russia's and China's radar capabilities to determine just what their intercept ranges and patterns were.

18. Some RB-66 missions were flown out of Johnson Island in the Pacific. These involved monitoring the Russian MIR as they returned to earth. The Russian launches originated in Siberia back in 1959.

19. B-66 reconnaissance (ferret) missions in Korea. This involved locating North Korean anti-aircraft radars and spotlight control facilities that illuminated US aircraft along the border.

20. Flying missions in the Sahara to monitor the first French atomic detonation.

21. A few RB-66C missions were flown over the Black Sea to assess the Soviet's air defense system.

Korea Ferret Missions - Recap of my 1952 - 53 Experiences in Korea by Bill Starnes --CLICK HERE

FOOTNOTE by Old Chief Lynn, Crew Chief and Squadron Weight & Balance Technician

One gentleman that certainly knows of the 42nd's B-66B's would be Gen. "Skip" Jones, who was our maintenance officer at RAF Chelveston. (Actually a Capt. at the time).

I think our "B's" were associated with the "Victor" birds which are mentioned above. I can remember working weight and balance chart "E's" and form "F's" around the clock a couple of times, trying to keep up with the ECM troops modifying the "cradles". It had been decided that this level maintenance and modification could be done by our own troops a lot faster than we could get them to Brookley AFB and back.

Lots and lots of additional ALT-6b's and 9's (I think) along with QRC-130's and other equipment which I cannot begin to recall. Also at this time we were removing the tail turrets and installing chaff cones. This required an actual weighing and recomputation of basic weight and balance. (and putting a lead balance weight on the cockpit floor of one aircraft to get the thing in trim).

Scuttlebutt at our (greasy coveralls) level was that the first strikes into Eastern Europe would be nuclear armed F-100's out of Germany, and our B-66B's were to get them through on what was probably a one way flight.

Testing and pre-flight checking of the new ECM configuration had to be done with "dummy loads" over the antennas, in the hangar, with the big steel doors closed, and between 2 and 3 in the morning. This as it wiped out TV ("tellie") for 25 or 30 miles around.

A RB-66C gem I remember was back in the Raven's nest, someone designed and installed in one bird (more? I don't remember). A spring paper clip on a cable (or chain), driven by an electric motor, to deliver notes between the aft and forward Spook's (oops, sorry, Raven's) seats. Something about helping prevent accidentally breaking radio silence.

Old Chief Lynn, Crew Chief and Squadron Weight & Balance Technician

NOTE: Any additional information about the above lesser-known operations that the B-66 was used for during it's 25 year lifespan or any others that you might know of will be greatly appreciated.

The FBI has named Identity-Theft as
the fastest growing crime in America.
For only $10 per month, LifeLock’s proactive,
industry-leading identity theft protection
gives people real security and peace of Mind.
Backed by a $1 million service guarantee.
Get 10% DISCOUNT

Return to Home Page