Convair B-58 Hustler
Summary
| Category | Bomber |
| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| First flight | 11 November 1956 |
| Year of introduction | 1960 |
| Number produced | 116 units |
| Average unit price | $18 million |
Description
The B-58 Hustler was the first supersonic strategic nuclear bomber to enter service in the US Air Force. Technologically advanced for its time, it was designed for high-altitude and high-speed penetration to evade enemy defenses. However, it remained in service for only about a decade, as the rise of intercontinental ballistic missiles greatly reduced its strategic value.
Two competing companies, Boeing and Convair, responded to the bidding process with their respective design concepts. Convair's proposal, designated as the Model 4-20, was selected by the USAF in 1952. Convair's design featured a large delta wing configuration and the capability for high subsonic to supersonic speeds.
The development of the B-58 Hustler faced several challenges and delays due to technical difficulties and cost overruns. The initial production order for 244 aircraft over four years was later reduced to 116 due to budget constraints and program setbacks. The B-58 Hustler was officially put into service on March 15, 1960, with the 43rd Bomb Wing at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and the 305th Bomb Wing at Bunker Hill Air Force Base. It served as the primary strategic bomber for the USAF in the 1960s.
The B-58 Hustler represented a significant advancement in bomber design and technology. Its delta-wing configuration and powerful engines allowed it to reach speeds of Mach 2 and fly at high altitudes. It featured an innovative crew ejection system that allowed all three crew members to escape at 21,000 meters altitude and up to Mach 2.
However, the B-58 Hustler faced operational challenges, including difficulties in handling and control at high speeds, which contributed to a relatively high accident rate. Despite its exceptional performance, the B-58 had a limited weapon payload capacity (8,800 kg) and a shorter range compared to other strategic bombers like the B-52 Stratofortress.
The B-58 Hustler was ultimately retired from service in 1970. Although it had a relatively short operational lifespan, the B-58 Hustler played an important role in advancing supersonic bomber technology.
Technical specifications
| Version: B-58A | |
|---|---|
| Crew | 3 members |
| Operational range | 2800 km (1740 mi) |
| Maximum speed | 2123 km/h (1319 mph) |
| Wing area | 143.3 m² (1542.5 sqft) |
| Wingspan | 17.3 m (56.8 ft) |
| Height | 8.9 m (29.2 ft) |
| Length | 29.5 m (96.8 ft) |
| Service ceiling | 19324 m (63399 ft) |
| Empty weight | 25200 kg (55556 lbs) |
| Max. takeoff weight | 80240 kg (176899 lbs) |
| Climb rate | 88.0 m/s (288.7 ft/s) |
| Powerplant | 4 × turbojets General Electric J79-GE-5A delivering 4400 kgp, up to 7076 kgp with afterburner |
Current operating countries
No country is operating the B-58 Hustler in 2024.
All operators
Armament
Bombs payload:
- Thermonuclear B43 Mod 1
- Thermonuclear B61
Photo of B-58 Hustler
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