Convair B-58 Hustler

 

B-58 Hustler

Convair B-58 Hustler

B-58 Hustler with a centerline payload pod

B-58 Hustler

 

B-58 Hustler

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
B-58 Hustler
Role Strategic bomber
Manufacturer Convair

First flight 11 November 1956
Introduced 15 March 1960
Retired 31 January 1970
Primary user United States Air Force
Number built 116
Unit cost US$12.44 million[1]

The Convair B-58 Hustler was the first operational jet bomber capable of Mach 2 supersonic flight. The aircraft was developed for the United States Air Force for service in the Strategic Air Command (SAC) during the late 1950s. Originally intended to fly at high altitudes and speeds to avoid Soviet fighters, the introduction of highly accurate Soviet surface-to-air missiles forced the B-58 into a low-level penetration role that severely limited its range and strategic value. This led to a brief operational career between 1960 and 1969. Its specialized role would be succeeded by other American supersonic bombers, such as the FB-111A and the later B-1B Lancer.

The B-58 received a great deal of notoriety due to its sonic boom, which was often heard by the public as it passed overhead in supersonic flight.

Convair B-58 Hustler

Convair B-58 Hustler

The Convair B-58 Hustler

Convair B-58 Hustler

Convair B-58 Hustler

Convair B 58 Hustler-”MITO Take-Off”-1963-Part l/ll

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