Years In Service: 1956-1970
Initial Flight: November 11, 1956
The B-58 Hustler was the U.S. Air Force’s first operational supersonic bomber capable of Mach 2 speeds. Hustlers flew in the Strategic Air Command between 1960 and 1970. Setting 19 world speed and altitude records, B-58s also won five different aviation trophies. Even though it was the most advanced aircraft of its time, the B-58 never saw combat.
Aircraft Specifications
Height: 31′ 5″ Wingspan: 56′ 10″ Length: 96′ 10″ Crew: 3 Armament: One T171 20mm cannon in tail Payload: One under-fuselage pod or under-wing pylons carrying up to 19,450 lbs. of conventional or single nine-megaton B-53 nuclear bomb, or four B-43 or tactical reconnaissance equipment No. of Engines: 4 Powerplant: General Electric J-79-GE-3B turbojets Thrust: 15,000 lbs. Max Speed: 1,325 mph Ceiling: 64,800 ft.