WB 57-F

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NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) operates two WB-57 aircraft out of Ellington Field, Houston, Texas. 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 (18,000 m). Two crew members are positioned at separate tandem stations in the forward section of the fuselage. The pilot station contains all the essential equipment for flying the aircraft. The aft or sensor operator station contains both navigational equipment and controls for the operation of the payloads and payload support systems located throughout the aircraft. During normal conditions the WB-57 can remain aloft for approximately 6.5 hours. Maximum crosswind component for takeoff and landing is 15 knots. Minimum runway length and width, respectively, is 7000 ft x 150 ft (at sea level).

Specifications

Ceiling: well in excess of 60,000 ft (18,000 m)
True air speed at 60,000+ feet: 410 knots (760 km/h) (maximum Mach 0.8)
Maximum flight duration: approximately 6.5 hours
Maximum true air speed at sea level: 190 kt (350 km/h)
Range: approximately 2,500 mi (4,000 km, 2,200 nm)
Minimum runway dimensions (sea level): 7000 ft x 150 ft (2,130 m x 45 m)
Maximum gross weight: 63,000 pounds (28,600 kg)
Maximum crosswind component: 15 kt (28 km/h)
Maximum payload weight: 6,000 lb (2,700 kg)
Air to ground communications: UHF, VHF, HF, & satellite phone
Wing surface area: 2,000 ft² (186 m²)
Payload power options: 110 V 400 Hz 3 phase
Engine thrust: 15,500 pounds-force (68.9 kN) per TF-33 engine
110 V 60 Hz single phase
28 V DC

Source: NASA

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