EB-66 Destroyer: Electronic Warfare Over Vietnam

A strike mission’s success depended on more than reaching the target. Crews also had to survive the radar systems guiding enemy defenses toward them. Over Vietnam, that struggle made electronic warfare an essential part of the air campaign—and placed aircraft such as the EB-66 Destroyer in a demanding role.

In the opening episode of Chronicles of AirPower: Electronic Warriors, we explore the EB-66 and the crews who helped other aircraft operate in dangerous skies.

Watch Episode 1: EB-66 Destroyer below.

Fighting an Enemy You Couldn’t See

A radar signal could carry consequences far beyond the screen displaying it. Detecting an aircraft, tracking its movement, and directing weapons toward it connected ground-based defenses to the battle overhead.

For aircrews, understanding and disrupting that process could be critical.

The EB-66’s story takes us into this contest between radar operators and airborne electronic warfare crews. Their work required specialized equipment, coordination, and judgment under pressure. It also depended on understanding an enemy whose tactics could change.

This episode examines the aircraft through that mission: what it was asked to do, the threats its crews faced, and why its contribution mattered to the aircraft around it.

The Aircraft Behind the Strike Force

Military aviation history often follows the aircraft dropping bombs or engaging enemy fighters. Electronic warfare brings another group of crews into view.

Their contribution could be difficult to see from outside the aircraft. A photograph might capture the airplane, but it could not show the signals its crew was detecting or the interference it was creating.

That makes the EB-66 a fitting starting point for Electronic Warriors. Its story helps explain why airpower depends on more than speed, weapons, and maneuverability. It also depends on who can detect, communicate, and make sense of what is happening—and who can interfere with those abilities.

A New Series Begins

Chronicles of AirPower: Electronic Warriors is an eight-episode season exploring the aircraft and people involved in this struggle.

We begin with the EB-66 Destroyer and continue through the EA-6B Prowler, EF-111A Raven, ES-3A Shadow, EC-130 Compass Call, RC-135 Rivet Joint, TACAMO aircraft, and EA-18G Growler.

Each episode adds another part of the story. Some aircraft disrupt radar. Others gather intelligence, attack communications, or help preserve vital command links. Together, they reveal how much of an air campaign depends on activity beyond what a camera can capture.

The season premiered on October 19, 2026, with the EB-66 episode. New episodes arrive Mondays at 7 PM Eastern on the PilotPhotog YouTube channel.

Watch the EB-66 Destroyer Episode

Whether you know the Destroyer well or are discovering its electronic warfare mission for the first time, join us for the opening chapter of this series.

After watching, leave a comment: What surprised you most about the EB-66—and which Electronic Warriors aircraft are you most looking forward to?

If you served on or supported these aircraft, I would especially welcome your perspective.

Thanks for joining me at the beginning of Chronicles of AirPower.

—Tog