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B-58 Hustler Specs

The B-58 Hustler was Mach 2 class long range bomber of the 1960's. This unique aircraft was meant to be a doomsday nuclear bomber that could rush in and out of the drop zone at high speeds. The Hustler could maintain super sonic speeds for long periods with its for engines and delta wing configuration. It served its station in life for about ten years from 1960 to 1970.

One of the truly unique features of this aircraft was how it delivered its bombs. Because of its lightweight honeycomb fuselage it could not carry bombs internally. Instead, it carried a pay load of nuclear weapons or conventional bombs in a pod underneath the aircraft. This configuration also allowed extra time for the Hustler to leave the blast radius of a nuclear bomb and drop its weapons at super sonic speeds. Most bombers cannot drop bombs at super sonic speeds, but the B-58 could do so regularly.

The Hustler also had other advancements such as an inertial navigation system and would set several records during its lifetime. During one flight in 1962 it set 3 separate speed records at once. Unfortunately the Hustlers life would end prematurely, much like the SR-71's due to politics and lack of funds. This amazing aircraft was a tough and expensive aircraft to fly, but it also pushed the limits of technology and imagination.

Function:         Long range Bomber
Contractor:         Convair
Power Plant:         4 J79-GE-1 turbojets w/ab 16,000 lbs thrust each
Length:         96 ft. 9 in.
Height:         31 ft. 5 in.
Weight:         55,560 (empty), 163,000 (max)
Wingspan:         56 ft. 10 in.
Speed:         1,325 mph or Mach 2+
Range:         4,400 miles unrefueled
Armament:         20mm tail gun & Nuclear weapons or Conventional bombs in pod
Crew:         3
ceiling:         64,850 ft
Unit Cost:         12 million
Deployment Date:         1959