Martin RB-57F

1966

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Martin RB-57F

Strategic high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft based on B-57 bomber. The first prototype flew in 1966.

3-View 
Martin RB-57FA three-view drawing (710 x 672)

Specification 
 MODELRB-57F
 CREW2
 ENGINE2 x P & W TF-33-P-11 turbojets, 80.1kN, 2 x P & W J60-P-9 booster turbojets, 14.7kN
 WEIGHTS
  Take-off weight20360 kg44886 lb
  Empty weight13600 kg29983 lb
 DIMENSIONS
  Wingspan37.3 m122 ft 5 in
  Length21.0 m69 ft 11 in
  Height5.8 m19 ft 0 in
 PERFORMANCE
  Max. speed880 km/h547 mph
  Ceiling25000 m82000 ft
  Range w/max.fuel6440 km4002 miles

Comments1-20 21-40 41-60 61-80 81-100
Carol Vincent, e-mail, 11.03.2024 21:26

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Wayne Galdony, e-mail, 01.05.2023 07:10

I worked on the flight line on the b57 B,C and was crew chiel on RB-57 tail number 267 from 1963 till 1967. Went tdy to alaska, panama, argentina, johnson island. Enjoyed every minute with the 58tj WRS under Col. Mueller and Sgt. Gullo.

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Steve Butt, e-mail, 09.08.2023 Wayne Galdony

Hi Wayne ,
I’m a Royal Air Force veteran, who has a passion for military history and aviation history. I have a friend who has asked me to research her father. He was a navigator in the Rb57-f in the 60’s.
His name was Vincent B Nelson.
Did you ever come across him?
If yes what was he like ?
Can you give any insight into what he did on these missions?
We are aware that some of these missions were sensitive.
He never shared his experiences with his family. He died in 2017 and there are many questions that my friend has.
I have found some information, but nothing about him.
I’ve learned about an airplane that I didn’t even know existed. I worked at RAF Alconbury U.K. in the 90’s on USAF Rapier.
Was privileged to see U2’s .
If there is anything we would be grateful.
Regards
Steve

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Joseph "Paul" May, e-mail, 17.11.2022 20:50

Served in the 58th from 1965 to 1968, mostly in Met /Are (PAYLOAD). Worked for Msgt Woods. TDY to Alaska, Panama, Mendoza, Johnston Island, and Samoa. I'm looking to contact someone who was TDY to Samoa with me.

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Curtis D. Dale, e-mail, 16.09.2022 11:24

According to General Jack Catton, COMAC, I was the first Navigator to command a Military Airlift Command flying unit. I was commander of Task Force Charlie, 58th Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, at Albrook AB, Panama Canal Zone in the period of 1971 or 1972. We took 3 Longwing B-57Fs and 5 aircrews, Life Support Personnel (who supported we aircrew members in the Space Suits that we had to wear when flying our missions at 70,000 feet in the Longwing. I also had maintenance personnel, administration and medical personnel on the staff. General Catton came in for a USAFSO visit, found we were operating his Air Weather Service Aircraft from there and wanted a briefing I was told it should last 13 minutes. I got the word in the late afternoon before I was to brief him at 8 AM the next morning. I had to fly a maximum mission during the night, had a few people help me prepare the briefing with charts for the presentation. He arrived with his staff, told the Howard AFB Wing Commander to stay outside during the briefing and I had my complete task force in the briefing room. I made the presentation on the WB-57F operations and finished in 13 minutes. He said, "Good briefing!" Then he started asking questions about how we were supporting the WB-47E and WC-135 Operations at Howard on the opposite side of the Canal, which I was also charged with. I started answering his questions in detail Then he had questions about the Longwings and WC-135Bs were were supporting in Mendoza, Argentina. I was able to answer all his questions fully and contribute other comments. He was the new COMAC, so it was clear he wanted to know more about the AWS operations he'd inherited. He then asked me how I knew so much about the WB-47 and WC-135 operations, in addition to the WB-57F. I told him my first operational aircraft had been the WB-47 at McClellan. Then I was made dual current in the WC-135, flying both in Atmospheric Sampling and synoptic weather missions over a good part of the world, and for about 3200 hours, plus more time in his WB-F7C Shortwings. I had about 100 hours in the shortwing by then. I told him that I had flown a broad array of the missions of the 4 aircraft over the past 6 years, plus, at that point. He was delighted with all of that. I could see that Wing Commander, outside, through the large front windows of the big room, and he was clearly furious that I had exceed the 13 minutes. General Catton finally stood up and came up to me. I introduced the people and he was very congenial. He finally turned to me, and looked at my wing. I was a Major at that point, and he said, "I have one more question. What the hell is a slick winged Navigator doing commanding one of my flying units?" I simply replied, "Because I know what I'm doing, General." He considered that and said, "Yes, I'm sure you do." He dismissed that Wing Commander and asked me to show him the rest of the operation. It was pretty meager on niceties, but we were carrying out the mission 100%. When we redeployed to Kirtland, a nice letter from General Catton to my 58th Commander, Colonel Douglas "Reddog" Campbell was there, and he had noted the part about me being the first Nav to command a MAC unit. The letter was very helpful as I came up for Lt. Colonel about 3 years later and after another full tour at DaNang in EC-47, flying EW, and then CINCPAC ABNCP at Hickam where I made Lt. Colonel and got selected for the War College. Those 5 crews and the team at Task Force Charlie "did me proud."

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Cees Steijger, e-mail, 15.11.2023 Curtis D. Dale

Dear Mr. Dale,

I am interested in learning more about the 58th operations in Panama and Mendoza. Perhaps you can share me your e-mail address?
Many thanks in advance!

--Cees Steijger
Author 'A History of USAFE' and 'On the Edge'

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Bert Hudson brhudson.com, 28.03.2022 09:10

I was with the 58th from 1964 to 1969 then went to yokota 610 mass then wordsmith and tinker in 1977 a month after they got ther first E-3,A retired there in 1983

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Alvin Press, e-mail, 11.03.2021 16:37

Im looking for 7407th ss B57F patch

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Gustavo Marón, e-mail, 07.06.2020 03:11

Hello to everybody!

Mi name is Gustavo Marón, Aviation Historian from Mendoza, Argentina.

I am very impressed by the stories you are telling here about the activities of RB-57 and WB-57F in my Country, because several former officials of the Argentine Air Force told me that when I was young and, since then, I am searching about the 58 WRS.

I found precise data about some aircrafts used in Mendoza in the Air Force Historical Research Agency. However, I am interested in to know the stories and memories of the protagonists.

Please, contact me to dr.gustavo.maron@gmail.com

Sincerely yours,

Gustavo

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Carlota Nelson, e-mail, 27.08.2023 Gustavo Marón

Querido Gustavo,
me llamo Carlota Nelson, soy hija del ya fallecido Col. Vincent B Nelson Fue navegador en el Rb57-f durante los 60. Y estuvo en Mendoza donde conoció a mi madre, Estela Martin. Estoy buscando información sobre él ya que no era un hombre muy dado a hablar o compartir su historia.
Te agradecería en el alma, cualquier información que tuvieses o me pudieras facilitar.
Muy atentamente,
Carlota

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george sutton, e-mail, 27.03.2021 Gustavo Marón

Gustavo - I was a young flight surgeon 58wrs 66-68 many wonderful stays and some adventures Mendoza, and really hope to come back to your beautiful city next year or two. First address there 527 Belgrano apt 22, later a very nice penthouse next door to one of the nicer hotels, above the Bongo Club. Many nice expat friends there, but the greatest natives were Cesar Borbon, a physician and Olympic Polo player, and his younger brother Pepe, a photographer, Also Dr. Julio Yaskey and his wife. I know the city has grown and changed, as have I (later pilot training and 6 years as a F4 fighter pilot in 'Nam), currently very busy physician here in Mobile, Alabama. I really wave the Mendocino flag in many conversations here today, and am serious about revisiting Mendoza soon. Look forward to hearing from you soon.

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Carlota Nelson, e-mail, 29.08.2023 george sutton

Dear Mr. Sutton, it's a true pleasure to write you today. A great honor too!
I hope you are well.
I believe you knew my father well. Vincent B. Nelson was a navigator of the RB-57F in 1965-66 in Mendoza, where he met and later married my mother Estela. She was close friends of the Borbons, especially the photographer Pepe. He was a witness when my parents married in Villavicencio. He later came to visit us in Japan and was named godfather of my older brother.
When I recently discovered your message, above, I read it to my mother and she is almost certain you met them and enjoyed great many days together, pool side or horseback. My mom and I are planning to travel to Mendoza next year. I would be eternally grateful if you could share any memories you have of that time and of my father /parents. My father passed in 2017 and would love to learn more.
Thank you in advance.

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Anonymous, 29.08.2023 george sutton

Dear Mr. Sutton, it's a true pleasure to write you today. A great honor too!
I hope you are well.
I believe you knew my father well. Vincent B. Nelson was a navigator of the RB-57F in 1965-66 in Mendoza, where he met and later married my mother Estela. She was close friends of the Borbons, especially the photographer Pepe. He was a witness when my parents married in Villavicencio. He later came to visit us in Japan and was named godfather of my older brother.
When I recently discovered your message, above, I read it to my mother and she is almost certain you met them and enjoyed great many days together, pool side or horseback. My mom and I are planning to travel to Mendoza next year. I would be eternally grateful if you could share any memories you have of that time and of my father /parents. My father passed in 2017 and would love to learn more.
Thank you in advance.

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carlota nelson, e-mail, 27.08.2023 george sutton

Dear George, my father Vincent B. Nelson was a navigator in the RB-57F and met my mother while he was in Mendoza, Argentina in the 60s. We have very little information about him and was wondering whether you met him.
Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you very much for your time
Carlota

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Michael Putnam, e-mail, 29.06.2021 george sutton

Hi George, just wanted to make contact. My dad was Joe Putnam. He was an F model pilot and was in Mendoza maybe at the same time you were?
Cheers
Michael Putnam

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Carlota Nelson, e-mail, 29.08.2023 Michael Putnam

Dear Michael, my dad was Vincent Nelson. He was navigator of the F model in Mendoza in the mid 60s. I wonder whether your father ever spoke about him or remembered his time in Mendoza? My mother does remember the name Joe Putnam.
Just imagine! What a small world.
Carlota

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Anonymous, 16.09.2022 Michael Putnam

Dear Michael, I worked closely with your Dad at Kirtland. I was Chief Navigator, Chief of the Command Post, Special Assistant to the Commander, and OER /APR /Awards and Decorations Officer at various points. I got to fly with him, too. Great Pilot, and such a nice man.

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Curtis D. Dale, e-mail, 16.09.2022 Anonymous

Dear Michael, For some reason the above about me working with your dad came up Anonymous, but I wrote it. Curt Dale

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Ed Bishop, e-mail, 20.01.2018 04:06

I worked approach control at Yokota 69-70-71. RB 57 Fs were fascinating to me. We could tell who they were on radio checks because the "mikes were hot" and we could hear them breathing in their pressure suits. Call sign as I recall was Robin 35.

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Joseph Devenport, e-mail, 18.12.2017 03:30

Any one interested in attending our reunion for the 55 and the 58 WRS in June, please let us know, By all means use 55 and 58 WRS in the subject line, it would be helpful. Currently planned for the 6th, 7th and 8th..

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charles large, e-mail, 30.08.2017 21:45

I was stationed at Kirkland AFB from 1963-1965. I was attached to the 58th Weather Recon Sq as an operations specialist. I would like to hear from anyone that was with the 5th during this time. I always loved working around aircraft. I retired from the airlines (30 years) as an agent.

Please cont act me if you were there or know anyone that was.

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CJ, e-mail, 22.03.2021 charles large

Hi Charles,

My grandfather (Ed J Winters) was stationed in Kirtland same years as you, maybe til 66. I have many newspaper clippings and even a welcome to Kirtland brochure his wife kept. Would love to hear back from you

CJ Lawrence

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Mick Guthals, e-mail, 23.08.2017 17:22

F-Troopers. My father, Paul Guthals, was one of you from the very start of the WB-57 until well into the NASA program as the lead for the LASL work. I saw just Monday, 21 Aug 2017 that NASA flew 2 WB-57Fs to follow the solar eclipse. Wonderful article in Aviation Week about the mission which brought back a flood of memories about my time as a youth with the 58 WRS and the WB-57F at Kirtland. Please feel free to contact me. Cheers.

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Joe Smith, e-mail, 25.02.2024 Mick Guthals

Mr. Guthals, I was a company grade officer with the 58th when your dad was at LASL. Before I went to SEA, I think I sold Paul a pickup. I had the camera, METARE, and avionics.
Joe Smith

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Curtis D, Dale, e-mail, 16.09.2022 Mick Guthals

I worked with Paul a great deal, too. On of my wife's favorite stories was about a party that came up one night, and your dad was enjoying "beverages" quite a bit that night. My wife, Pat, found out that he had a few WB-57F Convair models at home. She kept at him, asking for one for me. I was not there that evening, but she followed him to your home and he gave her one of those models. It is in a distinctive spot in my "man cave" or more accurately, "crazy room." I also contact Paul after I retired from the USAF in 186 and was scouting about for a job. He was still with LASL and I thought he might know of a job I'd fit in. He didn't, but we talked about his current work at the South Pole observing the Ozone Hole. I recall that he told me the money was good. I asked about the Ozone Hole. His words were to the effect, "There really isn't one, but I get paid well to watch for one." Remember when he came to Hawaii to get Married? He contacted me and wanted to know if I knew a 'preacher" who could do the job. My wife went to work on it. She found an Hawaiian minister who did wedding up on the Pali and lined that up. Then she started preparing a reception at our house. She invited our friends at Hickam and neighbors, prepared the party and it was amazing. She chose a color scheme for the part and it amazingly matched the brides wedding dress. We went up on the Pali and were at the wedding then came back to have a great party. All this was done in about 3 days from the time he arrived and called me. Pat know how to throw a party.

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Michael Putnam, e-mail, 29.06.2021 Mick Guthals

Hi Mick, My dad Joe and your dad were good friends, he mentioned Paul a lot.
Cheers
Michael Putnam

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David McCullough, e-mail, 09.08.2017 08:46

Aloha all. I'm a VA nurse living in Sebastopol,California. My father was Richard W McCullough or Mac and he died in 1999 at the age of 66. He was a B-57 driver first with TAC on the short wing out of Laon. I was born in 1960 at Elmendorf when the collection missions were on. Later he was on the RB-57F out of Rhein Main. I ran into a B 57 mechanic today while I work and he related the story of that B-57 shoot down (or O2 system malfunction) over the black sea in December 1965. I remember Lester Lackey and his family and the story I heard related over and over was that my dad and he had flipped a coin to see who would fly that day. If anyone can confirm that Or knows anything about it it would be an honor to hear some stories and especially if anyone knew my father. I can be reached at Davidmccullough@gmail.com. Thanks to all of you and the work you did.

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Richard Bryant, e-mail, 13.03.2017 21:28

My father was Major William P. Bryant navigator on RB57f out of Kirtland. He was a decorated WW-2 veteran B-17. He was buried at Santa-Fe National Cemetery , Santa Fe New Mexico. Did any of you guys know him assigned to 58WRS.

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Joe Smith, e-mail, 07.08.2016 01:18

I would like to contact CMSgt Isaiah Woods (Woody), if anyone has his address /e-mail. He was my first CMSgt.

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Isaiah Woods cmsgt (ret), e-mail, 19.06.2016 09:12

I served with the 1211 Test Sq /58 WRS from 1962-until I retired in 1973. I was NCOIC of the MET /ARE sampling section most of my time and participated in most of the missions cited on the web page plus others. I would also like info to contact Brig Gen R. Moeller & Col D. Wolfe

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Emmet Cook, e-mail, 31.05.2016 22:09

I attended John Penz'z funeral services. A sad day. He was a great NCO. I worked the Flight line and was the Crew Chief on 295 for a short time before I went to Docks. One of my favorite bosses was CMSgt Houghton. My best to all you guys from the 58th. Those were the good old days. I spent 20 more years in the Army after THE Air Force.

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Curtis, e-mail, 03.04.2016 01:28

TO: Phil Putnam,
Yes, I certainly remember your father, Joseph Putnam. If I recall correctly, he was the oldest man flying in the Space suits as an Air Force pilot while I was at Kirtland (68-72). Seems to me he was the Chief of Planning for the 58th WRS at the time I was there. We flew together at times, and he was a great pilot, all business and did it right all the way. I was Chief of the Command Post for a while, Special Assistant to the Commander for Colonel Douglas "Red Dog" Campbell, then Chief Navigator when Colonel Click D. Smith came in. I made a pretty fast exit as he came in. I did not like him, did not trust him, and was ready to go to Vietnam to fly the EC-47 to get away from him. Best move I ever made.
I will add that I was fortunate, as a Navigator, to be the first navigator to command a flying Unit in the Military Airlift Command--maybe the Air Force. I was Commander of a Task Force at Albrook AB, Panama for a period with two WB-57Fs, three crews, Life Support Personnel, a medic, and maintenance personnel. General Jack Catton, COMAC, cam into Howard AB, CZ, to visit USAFSO, and sent word that he wanted to be briefed by me on the operation of "his" WB-57Fs out of Panama and Mendoza, Argentina. We also had WB-47s, and WC-135s operating into and out of Howard, while we were operating the F's out of Albrook on the other side of the Canal. So I was alos responsible as senior officer for AWS (MAC) for any support needed from our operation. General Catton came to Albrook for the Briefing. It wasn't fancy as I had flip charts, hand made, but they were well done as I had one NCO who was really great at hand made graphics. I had been told to give him a 12 minute briefing, and a Colonel Whitehead was Wing Commander for USAFSO at Howard. Whitehead was a real jerk and wanted to dictate what I did for the briefing. I declined his directions and created the briefing as seems appropriate. But I did adhere to the 12 minutes as that may have come from Catton. Upon his arrival--with Whitehead in tow--Catton told Whitehead to stay outside. I did the 12 minute briefing, and it was apparently just what Catton wanted. Then he started asking questions about the WC-135 and WB-47 operations, and I was answering everything in detail. Finally, he asked me how I knew all of that just off hand. I told him I had flown the 47 for over 1000 hours, about 2000 hours in the WC-135, and held the record for Polar Missions at that time (eventually 178 polar missions including 87 polar crossings) so I knew exactly what all of the missions were and had flown them. His questions ran that 12 minute meeting far beyond anything I'd imagined. Seemed he just wanted an education on his AWS operation portion of MAC. As I finished, he stood, came forward to thank us, looked at me and said, "I just have one more question. Why the hell is a slick wing navigator commanding one of my flying units?" Without blinking an eye, I said, "Because I know what I'm doing, General!" He replied, "I'd say you're right!" When I arrived back at the 58th some time later, there was a nice letter from Catton to Colonel Campbell telling him of the job I was doing down there. That sure didn't hurt my chances when I came up for Lt. Colonel, I'm sure.
Colonel Curtis D. Dale, PhD, USAF (Ret)

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Gustavo Marón, e-mail, 07.06.2020 Curtis

Dear Mr. Dale,

My name is Gustavo Marón, Aviation Historian from Argentina. I am very interested in to know the stories and activities of the 58 WRS in my Country. Could you help me about?

Sincerely yours,

Dr. Gustavo Marón

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Joe, e-mail, 21.02.2016 06:47

Don't for get reunion is coming up June 15, 16 and 17 in Branson, MO.

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Joe Devenport, e-mail, 21.02.2016 06:45

Just to let you guys know, John Penz passed away Feb 9, 2016.

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Ted R., 20.09.2015 06:13

Did the 58th WRS receive an Outstanding Unit Citation Award in the years 1969-1971?

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