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The Martin RB-51A was a reconnaissance version of the B-51A bomber. The decision to develop a reconnaissance version of the B-51A was made in 1951, guided by experience in the Korean War, which had underscored some USAF reconnaissance shortcomings in the face of increasingly effective enemy air defenses. Cameras and the removal of the 20mm guns constituted the main differences between the RB-51A and the B-51A. The cameras (P-2s, K-17s, K-37s, K-38s, or T-17s) could be interchanged according to the aircraft's mission. The intended mission included day and night, high and low, and visual and photographic reconnaissance. It was painted with a high gloss black paint which was intended to minimize detection by searchlights.
The 30th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron at Sembach received it's first RB-51 on the 30th November 1954. The RB-51As were mission ready in early 1955 and shared the workload with the RB-26s. The latter aircraft took the lion's share of the mission responsibility in Exercise Carte Blanche, which took place in June 1955; but the RB-51s participated. This exercise was designed to test the latest concepts in dispersal, tactical air control and execution of alert plans in the event of an atomic war. The squadron completed 94 out of the 122 missions assigned to it; of which 81 were deemed successful. During the latter months of 1955 the 30th TRS, 66th TRW built up to full strength on the RB-51A. The RB-51's were ferried from the states by the squadron crews who had gone over to pick them up.
Several exercises during the period held the attention of the aircrews of all the tactical reconnaissance squadrons, not least the 'freshmen' RB-51 crews. Exercise Fox Paw from the 1st to the 4th October engaged the 30th TRS for the first time on night reconnaissance missions. Exercise Whipsaw from the 26th to the 28th September 1956 involved all the tactical reconnaissance units of USAFE. It was a major exercise 'designed to test, practice and evaluate current plans, policies and procedures promulgated by SACEUR and subordinate commanders for the employment of nuclear weapons in the defence of allied Europe.' The principle mission profile for tactical reconnaissance was to fly pre-strike, post-strike and weather reconnaissance missions. The 30th were more than satisfied with their performance. 33 bombing sorties were flown against 54 targets, all of which were hit. Total flying time was 100 hours of which 25 were at night. A total of 58 photographic sorties were flown and photo coverage of 4 targets was completed.
Following the problems that had been encountered with the RB-51s the success of Whipsaw was a boost for the 30th TRS; but, in any event, the days of the aircraft were numbered as the McDonnell RF-101A Voodoo began to go into production; arriving in the European theatre during late 1951.
Cheers,
Logan
