B-58 Hustler, World’s First Supersonic Bomber

The B-58 Hustler was the world’s first operational supersonic bomber in 1960.  Sporting four J79 turbojet engines, the Hustler had a ceiling of 63,000 feet and a maximum speed of 1400 mph, which is just over twice the speed of sound (Mach 2).

The B-58 was nearly 100ft long with a wingspan of more than 50ft, and carried a crew of 3 including pilot, bombardier/navigator, & defensive systems operator.  The Hustler could be armed with a ventral pod carrying fuel and a nuclear weapon, as well as four additional nuclear bombs on tandem hard points under each wing.  The B-58 also carried a remote controlled, rear facing defensive 20mm cannon.

Created in the late 1950’s for the US Air Force Strategic Air Command, the B-58 Hustler was designed as a nuclear penetrator to evade Soviet fighters by flying very high & very fast.  However, highly accurate Soviet surface-to-air missiles were introduced at about the same time, forcing the B-58 to convert to a low-level penetrator which reduced it’s performance.

The B-58 Hustler was a very complex and relatively expensive aircraft to build, & it required intensive maintenance with specialized equipment.  Only 116 aircraft were built with over 20% lost in accidents, and the B-58 Hustler was retired from Air Force service in 1970.

(Photo from Wikimedia)

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