The Martin B-57 Canberra is one of the most operationally diverse jet aircraft in USAF history — a British design reborn in American hands, then progressively transformed into a high-altitude reconnaissance and atmospheric research platform of extraordinary capability. Online Aviation Library has assembled the surviving primary-source technical documentation spanning the full B-57 family, from the original tactical bomber variants through the radical wing-redesign programs of the RB-57D and RB-57F.
What This Collection Covers
Flight Handbooks & Performance Data
Standardized operational data compiled into USAF Technical Orders (T.O.s) — the primary source of truth for aircraft performance variables across the B-57 family:
- T.O. 1B-57B-1 — Flight Handbook, USAF Series B-57B Aircraft (2 July 1956, Revised 2 May 1957)
- T.O. 1B-57C-1 — Flight Handbook, USAF Series B-57C Aircraft (1 August 1956, Revised 1 February 1957) — takeoff/landing charts, approach speeds, emergency checklists
- T.O. 1B-57(R)A-1 — Flight Handbook, USAF Series RB-57A Aircraft (1 April 1956, Revised 1 October 1956)
- T.O. 1B-57(R)F-1 — Flight Manual, RB-57F USAF Series Aircraft (2 September 1966, Change 8 — 1 February 1971) — extended performance charts for operations above 60,000 feet
- T.O. 1B-57G-1 — Flight Manual, USAF Series B-57G Aircraft (1 June 1970, Change 3 — 16 March 1973)
- T.O. 1B-57B-34-1-1 — Aircrew Nonnuclear Weapons Delivery Manual, B-57B/C/E (17 July 1969) — aerodynamic stability envelopes during internal rotary bomb door deployment
Aerodynamic & Handling Studies
The transition from the original English Electric design to the license-built Glenn L. Martin variants required extensive airframe testing, particularly regarding wing-stretching programs for high-altitude reconnaissance:
- NASA/NACA technical memorandums evaluating high-altitude turbulence, clear-air friction, and aerodynamic loads — including data from Langley-sponsored mountain wave and jet stream tests
- Wing-flex and structural load reports tracking the response and flexibility of the long-span honeycombed wings engineered for the RB-57D (~106 ft span) and General Dynamics RB-57F (~122 ft span)
- Early USAF handling and stability evaluations analyzing lateral control responsiveness, pitch dynamics during weapon releases, and low-speed approach characteristics
Engine Technical Notes
The B-57 series departed from British Avon engines, adopting license-built Wright J65 turbojets — and eventually turbofans on later variants — which demanded distinct engineering documentation:
- Wright J65 operating notes covering thrust metrics (7,220 lbf per engine), fuel-flow optimization, and compressor stall boundaries across varying pressure altitudes
- Project Bee documentation: historically significant NASA archives detailing the 1957 flight-test program of a modified B-57B operating on liquid hydrogen — including transitional performance data when switching mid-flight from JP-4 to gaseous/liquid hydrogen
Engineering Bulletins & Structural Modifications
As the B-57 transitioned from active tactical bombing into specialized platforms, structural engineering bulletins were continually distributed to operators:
- Rivet Chip Program files: payload configurations, sensor layouts, and electrical balance revisions for the Atomic Energy Commission and Air Weather Service
- Wing spar re-engineering bulletins: documenting the severe fatigue programs of the late 1950s–1960s that ultimately led to the clean-sheet wing redesigns carried out by General Dynamics
- NASA Flight Operations Manuals: active updates curated by the flight operations division at Ellington Field (Houston) to maintain airworthiness for the remaining flying WB-57 science platforms
Document Manifest
| T.O. / Reference | Title / Focus Area | Date |
|---|---|---|
| T.O. 1B-57B-1 | Flight Handbook — B-57B | 1956 / Rev. 1957 |
| T.O. 1B-57C-1 | Flight Handbook — B-57C | 1956 / Rev. 1957 |
| T.O. 1B-57(R)A-1 | Flight Handbook — RB-57A | 1956 / Rev. 1956 |
| T.O. 1B-57(R)F-1 | Flight Manual — RB-57F | 1966 / Ch.8 1971 |
| T.O. 1B-57G-1 | Flight Manual — B-57G | 1970 / Ch.3 1973 |
| T.O. 1B-57B-34-1-1 | Aircrew Nonnuclear Weapons Delivery Manual — B-57B/C/E | 1969 |
| NASA/NACA TMs | High-altitude aerodynamic & turbulence studies | Various |
| Project Bee | Liquid hydrogen propulsion flight-test records | 1957 |
| Engineering Bulletins | Wing spar fatigue, Rivet Chip, structural mods | 1950s–1970s |
| NASA Ellington FOMs | WB-57 airworthiness & flight operations | Ongoing |
⚠️ Regulatory Notice: Under FAA 14 CFR § 43.13 and EASA Part-M, any mechanic performing maintenance on an active aircraft must use current, manufacturer-approved revision-controlled data. This archival document does not satisfy that requirement.
This is an archival, static-copy edition fixed at its original publication date. Intended for historical reference, flight simulation, museum restoration, and educational use only. Not approved for active airworthiness maintenance under FAA 14 CFR § 43.13, EASA Part-M, or equivalent international regulations. Operators of active aircraft must use current, revision-controlled publications from the Type Certificate holder or an authorized distributor.
Living Collections with Free Lifetime Updates – Please review our Legal Notice and Export Notice before purchasing.