Lackland Air Force Base in Bexar County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

B-57 "Canberra"

Photographed by James Hulse, August 16, 2024

1. B-57 "Canberra" Marker

Inscription. The B-57 is a modified version of the English Electric Canberra, which was first flown in Britain on May 13, 1949, and later produced for the Royal Air Force. After the Korean War began in 1950, the Air Force looked for a medium jet bomber to replace the aging Douglas B-26 Invader. In March 1951, the Air Force contracted with the Glenn L. Martin Co. to build the Canberra in the U.S. under a licensing agreement with English Electric. The Martin-built B-57 made its first flight on July 20, 1953, and when production ended in 1959, a total of 403 Canberras had been produced for the Air Force. The RB-57 a used from 1954 to 1957 by the 363rd Reconnaissance Wing, Tactical Air Command, held a camera and bombs. Production of this variant totaled 67. The first B-57B flew on June 28, 1954, and was delivered to Tactical Air Command in January 1955; production totaled 202. The B-57B had different armament and a remodeled cockpit. Later modifications allowed the B-57B to be employed at night in Vietnam. This versatile aircraft has been used for aerial policing of nuclear test-ban treaties, electronic reconnaissance over communist territory,

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training missions, target towing, weather research and intercept training. The B-57B production ended in 1963.

This aerospace vehicle (B-57) is a part of the USAF Heritage Program Collection.

Erected by USAF Heritage Program Collection.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • War, Cold • War, Korean • War, Vietnam. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1955.

Location. 29° 23.622′ N, 98° 37.225′ W. Marker is in Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, in Bexar County. It is on Bong Avenue south of Luke Blvd. The marker is located at the USAF Airman Heritage Museum’s Air Park which is around the parade grounds. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Jbsa Lackland TX 78236, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in South Texas

and in the San Antonio Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American South.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate

B-57 "Canberra" and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, August 16, 2024

2. B-57 "Canberra" and Marker

States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Airman 1st Class Martin Jester • Airman 2nd Class Eugene Traczyk Jr. (a few steps from this marker); F-100 "Super Sabre" (a few steps from this marker); Republic JF-105B "Thunderchief" (within shouting distance of this marker); B-52 "Stratofortress" (within shouting distance of this marker); Master Sgt. Samuel O. Turner (within shouting distance of this marker); P-63G "King Cobra" (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); P-47N "Thunderbolt" (about 300 feet away); B-66 "Destroyer" (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lackland Air Force Base.

More about this marker. The marker, museum and air park are located on the Lackland Air Force Base, an active U.S. military installation which is a part of the Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA). The USAF Airman Heritage Museum and Air Park are open to the public, but appropriate identification is required for access. Visit the museum’s web site for current details on visiting the museum and air park.

Also see . . .
1. Airmen Heritage Training Complex.

B-57 "Canberra" image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, August 16, 2024

3. B-57 "Canberra"

USAF Airman Heritage Museum (Submitted on August 24, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

2. Martin B-57 Canberra. Wikipedia

The Martin B-57 Canberra is an American-built, twin-engined tactical bomber and reconnaissance aircraft that entered service with the United States Air Force (USAF) in 1953. The B-57 is a license-built version of the British English Electric Canberra, manufactured by the Glenn L. Martin Company. Initial Martin-built models were virtually identical to their British-built twinjet counterparts; Martin later modified the design to incorporate larger quantities of US-sourced components and produced the aircraft in several variants.

(Submitted on August 25, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

Public Domain - United States Air Force, circa 1970

4. B-57 "Canberra"

Martin EB-57E-MA 55-4279 556th Reconnaissance Squadron Kadena AB.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 25, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 24, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 311 times since then and 62 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 25, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.