The B-57 was the first aircraft of foreign design to be chosen for US production since 1918. Martin Aviation's design was based on the English Electric Aviation Canberra. The twin engine light tactical bomber served with the Tactical Air command from 1955 to 1969 in bomber reconnaissance and electronics warfare aircraft roles, several Air Force Reserve B-57's were called to active duty during Viet Nam where their large iron bomb loads came in handy for counter insurgency operations. The bomb bay doors rotated around the belly to keep the plane sleek during bomb runs.
