Boeing B-52 Stratofortress RB-52B

The initial designation planned for the reconnaissance version of the B-52B was XR-16A, but it was never used; the aircraft were designated RB-52B instead. Of the 50 B-52Bs built, 27 could carry a reconnaissance pod (crew was increased to eight on these aircraft). The roughly 300-pound pod carried radio receivers and a mix of K-36, K-38 and T-11 cameras, operated by two crew on downward-firing ejection seats; it took only four hours to install. Engines were the same B-model Pratt & Whitney J57s, rated at 47 kN thrust each.