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In 1968, NASA had contracted with the Air
Force to operate an RB-57F, which flew many research missions as part
of the Earth Resources Technology Satellite program. In 1972, the Air
Force thought the expense was too high, and transferred the plane to
NASA. This aircraft was re-numbered NASA 925. This plane operated
until 1982, when it was retired. It currently resides in the Pima Air
Museum in Tucson, Arizona. |
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When the
58th WRS high altitude program was cut in 1974, they also transferred NASA
926 to Houston. While this plane was out of service for some time due to
budget considerations, it is still flying missions today, operating out of
Ellington Field in Houston, Texas. More recently, NASA acquired another
WB-57F, numbered NASA 928.
NASA 926 and NASA 928 are the only two WB-57s still flying in the world
today although in 18 months time there will be 3 aircraft. WB-57
serial number 63-13295 was removed from Davis Monthan AMARG ( 309th
Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group.)
For restoration in Colorado. It will be re-designated NASA 927 and
flown to Texas when completed. |
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AIRBORNE REMOTE EARTH SENSING PROGRAM |
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I HAVE IT |
The WB-57 is a mid-wing,
long-range aircraft capable of operation for extended periods of
time from sea level to altitudes well in excess of 60,000 feet.
Two crewmembers are positioned at separate tandem stations in
the cockpit. The pilot station contains all the essential
equipment for flying the aircraft. The sensor operator station
contains both navigational equipment and controls for the
operation of the payloads and payload support systems located
throughout the aircraft. The WB-57 can remain aloft for
approximately 6.5 hours, flying both day and night, so long as
separation from hazardous weather can be maintained. With a
range of 2,500 miles, the aircraft can be deployed to any
continent.
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Operating Altitude: |
Sea
level to well above
60,000 feet |
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Maximum Flight Duration: |
Approximately 6.5 hours
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Range: |
Approximately 2,500 miles |
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Maximum Gross Weight: |
72,000 lbs |
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Maximum Payload Weight: |
9,700 lbs (including empty weight of pallet, spear pods, &
super pods) |
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Wing Surface Area: |
2,000 square feet |
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Engine Thrust: |
15,500 pounds per TF-33 engine |
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True Air Speed at 60,000+ feet: |
~410 knots (Max Mach .78) |
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Max. Indicated Air Speed at 0 to 35,000 feet: |
190
knots |
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Minimum Runway Dimensions: |
7000 feet x 150 feet (sea level) |
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Maximum Crosswind Component: |
15
knots |
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to Ground Communications: |
UHF, VHF, HF, and SAT phone |
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Payload Power Options:
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115V 400Hz 3-Phase, 115V 60Hz 1- Phase and 28VDC |
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The WB-57 is capable of flying at
altitudes well over 60,000 feet. Twelve miles high, the environment is
very inhospitable to people. In fact, there is less than 1 psi of
atmospheric pressure and temperatures will approach -70° F. For these
reasons, flight rules mandate that for flight above 50,000 feet, all
crewmembers must wear a full pressure suit. If the cabin were to
depressurize, or the crew was forced to eject, it would be the only means
of survival.
Above 10,000 feet, atmospheric pressure becomes low enough that without
breathing 100% oxygen, the average person will become hypoxic (an oxygen
deprived state) and can eventually lose consciousness. As altitude
increases, the Time of Useful Consciousness (TUC) becomes shorter. The TUC
at 60,000 feet is only 9 - 12 seconds |
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The TUC can be pushed much higher if 100%
oxygen is breathed. At a height of 35,000 feet, the pressure is
approximately 20% that of sea level, and since oxygen is approximately 20%
of air, a person at this altitude breathing pure oxygen will receive a sea
level equivalent amount of oxygen. At heights above 50,000 feet, even with
100% oxygen, a person will quickly become hypoxic, because the ambient
pressure is so low that the lungs will not absorb the oxygen. It is at
this altitude that a pressurized flight suit must be worn. Any altitude
above 50,000 ft. is labelled as "space equivalent zone". |
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The pressure suit used on the WB-57 weighs
31 lbs and is very similar to the suit worn by space shuttle crewmembers
during launch and entry. It is designed to pressurize only if cabin
pressure is lost at an altitude above 35,000 feet. The suits have two back
up systems in case the primary system fails. The secondary system will
activate when at 37,000 feet. Both of these two systems will deactivate
when the lower threshold is reached. There is also an emergency system
that if activated at 39,000 feet will not depressurize until it is done
manually |
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NASA JSC WB-57F
CSC CREW MEMBER SUPPORT TAB |
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I HAVE THEM |
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WB-57 at RAF MILDENHALL |
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