EB66

EB-66 refers to the electronic warfare variant of the Douglas B-66 Destroyer, a jet bomber produced for the United States Air Force. Modified to carry electronic countermeasures, radar jamming equipment, and signals intelligence gear, the EB-66 was designed to disrupt or deceive enemy radar and communications while protecting allied aircraft.

Development and variants: The EB-66 emerged from modifications of the B-66 airframe starting in the 1960s. The most common versions were the EB-66C and EB-66D. The EB-66C carried a comprehensive ECM suite intended for radar jamming and electronic reconnaissance, while the EB-66D featured improvements in ECM equipment, self-defense measures, and integration with fighter operations.

Operational history: EB-66s served primarily during the Vietnam War, providing radar suppression for bombing missions and gathering electronic intelligence. They also participated in European and other operations, demonstrating ECM capabilities to NATO allied forces and collecting signals data as needed. They were typically operated by dedicated Electronic Warfare squadrons.

Retirement: The EB-66 fleet was retired from USAF service by the early to mid-1980s as newer American ECM platforms entered service, including the EF-111A Raven and other systems. A number of airframes were preserved or donated to museums.