USAF General Dynamics/Martin WRB-57F Canberra

General Dynamics in Fort Worth, Texas, modified the Martin “Canberra” B-57D model into the long winged high-altitude research WRB-57F model. Attached to the 58th Weather Reconnaissance Squadron at Kirtland Air Force Base, this aircraft performed many research and aerial sampling functions from 1964 until 1973.

The twin-engine bomber is powered by two highly modified turbo-fan jet engines, with two additional jet boosters and had a wingspan of 122 feet, twice the normal length for an of airplane of this size. These modifications enabled the WRB-57F to fly at an altitude of 12 miles, and at speeds close to 500 miles per hour both of which are necessary for accurate photography.