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. Note: There were a total of 116 B-58s built: 30 test and pre-production aircraft and 86 for inventory.

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SPECIFICATIONS:

Span: 56 ft. 10 in.

Length: 96 ft. 10 in.

Height: 31 ft. 5 in.

Weight: 163,000 lbs. maximum

Armament: One 20mm cannon in tail; nuclear weapons in pod or on under-wing pylons

Engines: Four General Electric J79s of 15,000 lbs. thrust each (with afterburner)

Cost: $12,442,000

PERFORMANCE:

Maximum speed: 1,325 mph

Cruising speed: 610 mph

Range: 4,400 miles without aerial refueling

Service ceiling: 64,800 ft.