The delta-wing Hustler was the first USAF supersonic operational
bomber. The B-58 made its initial flight on Nov. 11, 1956 and flew
supersonically on Dec. 30, 1956. Distinctive B-58 features included
its sophisticated inertial guidance navigation and bombing system,
slender "wasp-waist" fuselage, and extensive use of heat-resistant
honeycomb sandwich skin panels in the wings and fuselage. The thin
fuselage prevented internal carriage of bombs so an external droppable
two-component pod beneath the fuselage contained extra fuel and a
nuclear weapon, reconnaissance equipment, or other specialized gear.
The B-58 crew consisted of a pilot, navigator-bombardier, and defense
systems operator.
The USAF ordered 86 Hustlers which were operational in the
Strategic Air Command between 1960 and 1970. B-58s set 19 world speed
and altitude records and won five different aviation trophies. There
were a total of 116 B-58s built: 30 test and pre-production aircraft
and 86 for inventory. They were flown by the 43rd and 305th Bomb
Wings. |