Operational Suitability Test of the RB-57A Aircraft
Abstract
Tests were made to determine the operational suitability of the RB- 57A for accomplishing the night reconnaissance mission, limited day topographic mapping, and day reconnaissance photography. The RB-57A is an all-metal, midwing, twin-engine, turbo-jet propelled monoplane with tricycle landing gear and can carry 21 M-120 photoflash bombs for night photography. The RB-57A navigation system did not provide a precision positioning capability beyond the line-of-sight signal reception range of APW-11A and shoran. The 12-in. focal length of the K-37 night camera restricted the effective operating altitude of this camera to about 12,000 ft. The nose visual position was unsuitable because of insufficient working space, restricted field of vision, and lack of safety provisions. Poor visibility from the pilot's and photonavigator's positions severely hampered the use of the aircraft in visual reconnaissance and visual target search operations. The armament and photographic control systems require modification for maximum effectiveness. The aicraft was suitable from a maintenance standpoint. Detection and tracking of the RB-57A at 50,000 ft by CPS-6 radar was poor for head and tail aspects. The RB-57A is very vulnerable to both day and all-weather jet intercepter aircraft because of its lack of suitable tail and/or radar-warning equipment. Longer focal-length night cameras are required to provide high-altitude night photography. The RB-57A aircraft was considered unsuitable in its present design for the over-all reconnaissance missions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1955
- Accession Number
- AD0068388
Entities
Organizations
- Air Armament Center