JETs Vol. 25-16: NASA WB-57F Canberra

We released an RB-57 Canberra back in 2023 but have been on the hunt for the big wing recon version, the WB-57F, for some time. A joint Martin/General Dynamics project - only 21 of the tactical bombers were converted to RB-57Fs (later renamed WB-57F in 1968). The type was made in response to the USAF's request for an aircraft with better performance than the current RB-57. The resulting WB-57s featured a significantly larger wingspan, more power TF33 engines, and pod mounted turbojet engines. 

Back in 2011, the folks at NASA pulled WB-57F 63-13295 out of the boneyard and began the extensive process of returning that airframe (now tail N927NA) to flight status. At the time, NASA was operating two other WB-57Fs: N926NA and N928NA.

The newly airworthy 927 took to the sky in 2013 - thanks to the hard work of a talented team and multiple donor aircraft that were used to get 927 back in the air; namely 63-13290 and 63-13293.

In the Spring of 2025 NASA sold multiple surplus parts from the WB program at Ellington Field. In the lot were parts from multiple WB-57Fs, and this is where the material for this release came from. 

JETs Vol. 25-16 was cut from a gloss white equipment bay access door with a 2011 removal tag. No specific airframe ID is provided for this JET as both 926 and 928 featured a white belly at the time. They now fly with a 3-tone paint scheme with a grey belly. Vol. 25-16 comes in 2 variants: NASA White and Structured.

The Structured JETs come with intact rivets and material on the backs. The NASA White JETs are single layer thick.  

A Big Wing Set is offered that comes with items from all of our new releases today (23 May 2025). It includes:

1 JETs Vol. 25-16 NASA Structured JET, 1 JETs Vol. 25-17 289 Silver Printed JET, 1 JETs Vol. 25-17 290 Rivets JET, 1 AD415 Air Drop, 1 AD416 Air Drop, and 1 Stage 3 Kestrel FGA.1 Engine Stator Blade.

For more info on the other products offered in the Big Wing Set, please visit their listings. 

Card art provided by BVR.