Convair B-58 Hustler

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.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Convair
• B-58
• Hustler
• Strategic
• Air
• Command
• SAC

[MOJONIXION]

Is a great looking plane. I also think the B-47 was good looking plane.

[vodkasvictim]

@TV843

How glad this Brit is to hear you like our Vulcan.

If it makes you feel good, you should know I've always admired your F16; high performance at a lower price.

[BuickDoc]

@vodkasvictim The Vulcan is cool, a beautiful plane.

[TomsFriendKake]

@giwannabe13 It became obsolete with the introduction of ICBM's.

[schr75]

@AmericanAviator Agreed. I love the Hustler, but the Vulcan could out maneuvre contemporary fighters at altitude. Now that´s a bomber.

[schr75]

@MOJONIXION amen

[JTLaser1]

We have a Vulcan at the Castle Air Museum in Atwater Ca. But alas all we have of the B-58 is the fuel tank. We do, however, also have an SR 71 and B-36 among dozens of other awesome, rare aircraft.

[lucabrasi1337]

I was born 20 years to late....

[bosun3c]

@vodkasvictim I have thought the Vulcan was a great ship when I saw It on a James Bond movie :Thunderball"

[916edward]

This plane was the reason I join the Air Force !!!!!!!!!!

[AmericanAviator]

@vodkasvictim How could anyone NOT like the Vulcan? It's beautiful, period. The Hustler will always bee my favorite bomber, but damned if the Vulcan isn't a close second.