Convair B-58 Hustler was the first operational bomber in the world capable of Mach 2 maximum speed.
Development and construction of two prototypes was performed in accordance with the highest security standards. Neither the shape nor characteristics of the aircraft were disclosed until the official roll-out that took place in August of 1956.
On 11th November 1956, the aircraft performed its maiden flight and on 15th March 1960, the B-58 supersonic strategic bomber began its operational service with the United States Air Force.
At the time of its development and introduction, the B-58 Hustler was a breakthrough in aircraft design. Although its overall shape seems not revolutionary at all, it was the first aeroplane designed with taking into consideration the aerodynamics and other rules of supersonic flight. The Hustler set several world speed records, including the longest supersonic flight ever made (from Tokyo to London with average speed of 1,510 kph), as well as altitude with 5,000 kg payload record (reaching 26,000 metres).
Regrettably to the USAF, the operational career of the B-58 was relatively short one. The bomber was designed to use its speed and altitude to penetrate the enemy territory, much beyond the range of then existing air defence systems and fighter aircraft.
However, introduction of those supersonic, high-altitude bombers into operational service resulted in quite fast reaction of the Soviet Union. In May of 1957 – just a few months after the maiden flight of the Hustler – new S-75 missile system (NATO reporting name SA-2 Guideline) was disclosed to public.
It meant that the B-58 Hustler lost its main advantages and soon the aircraft was assigned to a new role of a low-level penetration bomber. It was just a swan song, as the aeroplane was not designed to fly in dense air of low altitudes. New conditions required even more aerial refuelling, supersonic speed was hard to achieve and, finally, led to a conclusion that the B-58 was expensive in operation but not effective.
On 29th October of 1969, the US military authorities officially announced that the B-58 fleet will be retired in the end of January next year.
More about the B-58 Hustler:
- 11 November 1956 – maiden flight of Convair B-58 Hustler,
- 15 March 1960 – Convair B-58 Hustler is introduced into operational service with the USAF,
- Operation Greased Lightning – the record-breaking supersonic flight
Cover photo: prototype of XB-58 Hustler in flight, 55-0660, illustrative photo (unknown author, USAF photo via Wikipedia, Public Domain)
