RB-57F “Long Wing” captured by D4s / 80-400VR
We would often see them at the end of the ramp at Ellington Field. NASA flies them out of there on missions, taking this very unique aircraft from the 60’s to 60,000 feet! There were three airworthy until just recently, when one had a wheels-up issue on landing. Designed for strategic reconnaissance, they now serve a very important role in weather reconnaissance mostly. One disappointing thing about the photograph is you cannot see just how long the wing is of the long wing. That’s what was so impressive, looking at it down the ramp. The wing just kept going and going, 122′ worth! It’s pretty easy to see how it got its nickname, Long Wing.