The B-66 was developed from the U.S. Navy A3D Skywarrior as a tactical light bomber and photo reconnaissance aircraft. The RB-66B photo reconnaissance version became the first production series and totaled 145 of the 294 B-66s built. The USAF also developed a weather reconnaissance version, and various electronic countermeasures (ECM) versions.
ECM B-66s became very important elements in strikes against North Vietnam. They could detect enemy radar emissions and jam their signals, thereby confusing enemy defenses. In addition, some B-66s flew pathfinder missions, guiding F-105 and F-4 bombing strikes through bad weather.
The aircraft on display flew combat missions in Southeast Asia and was delivered to the museum in 1970.