The B-66 was developed from the Navy A3D Skywarrior for USAF use as a tactical light bomber and photo reconnaissance aircraft. An RB-66A, one of five of these reconnaissance aircraft ordered as prototypes, was the first to fly on June 28, 1954. B-66s became operational in 1956; production ended in 1958. The RB-66B recon version was the first production series and totalled 145 of the 294 B-66s built.

The B-66 was the last tactical bomber built for the USAF, and only the B-66B was designed exclusively as a bomber. Others served as tactical recon aircraft while the final version, the WB-66D, was designed for electronic weather reconnaissance.

Some B-66s were modified for service in Vietnam as electronic countermeasures aircraft to confuse enemy radar defences.

SPECIFICATIONS
Span: 72 ft. 6 in.
Length: 75 ft. 2 in.
Height: 23 ft. 7 in.
Weight: 91,000 lbs. max.
Armament: Two 20mm cannons in tail; 8,044 lbs. of photo flash bombs
Engines: Two Allison J71s of 10,200 lbs. thrust each
Cost: $2,334,000
Serial number: 53-475
C/N: 44775