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Author : Bill Holder Publisher : Schiffer Military History Book Page : 64 pages File Size : 43,7 Mb Release : 2001 Category : History ISBN : 0764314688
The legendary Convair B-58 Hustler, one of the most interesting bombers to reach operational status, and had an appearance - even though designed in the 1940s - that would not look out of date in the 21st century. The first USAF delta-wing bomber was the Mach 2 Hustler that had the performance of a fighter aircraft. However, its tenure was short due to technical problems and excessive costs. The majority of Hustlers met their demise in the late 1960s, but a few remain at museums across the country.
The Convair B-58 Hustler, with its distinctive delta wing shape, would become the world's first supersonic bomber, and the first aircraft to fly to Mach 2. With development beginning in 1949, the B-58, which could not carry conventional weapons, would become part of the US nuclear arsenal during the height of the Cold War. Although these bombers were initially considered difficult to operate, in time the hand-chosen crews who flew them came to love and respect the aircraft. Throughout the 1960s, crews flying the B-58 set numerous speed and distance records. These planes were tremendously expensive to operate, and it was budget issues that forced the early retirement of the bomber. The story of this historic aircraft is told through carefully researched photos, which are reproduced in remarkable clarity. Large, clear photos, coupled with descriptive and informative captions, unlock the secrets of this aircraft.
Sleek, sporting a delta wing, four big engines, and an external payload, the Convair B-58 was the first operational bomber capable of Mach 2. In service for only a decade, the supersonic bomber was dubbed the "Hustler"--a tribute to its impressive performance. The effort that resulted in the B-58, which saw its heyday in the 1960s, began back in February 1949 the Air Research and Development Command at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base initiated the second Generalized Bomber Study (GEBO II). While a number of manufacturers responded, Convair's design, which drew heavily on that firm's previous delta-wing fighter stylings, was favored. During its career, the B-58 equipped two Strategic Air Command (SAC) bomb wings. The first of these, the 43d Bomb Wing, was based from 1960 into 1964 at Carswell Air Force Base in Fort Worth, Texas, adjacent to the factory where the B-58s were built, then moved in 1964 to Little Rock Air Force Base in Arkansas, where it remained until the Hustler's retirement in 1970. The second unit was the 305th Bomb Wing, based at Bunker Hill Air Force Base (later known as Grissom AFB), Indiana from 1961 through 1970. While the initial operational use of the B-58 was beset with delays, and in fact at one time SAC outright opposed the aircraft, as the decade of the 1960s began the B-58 brought SAC much desired prestige as it set a successive number of records involving speed and altitude. Among these were the 1961 Thompson Trophy, the Mackay Trophy, the Harmon Trophy, and the Bleriot Trophy. Despite its impressive performance, the B-58 was not without shortcomings. For one thing, its 1,740-mile unrefueled range was relatively modest. For another, the Soviets developed the SA-2 Guideline surface-to-air missile that could strike the Hustler at its 63,400 foot ceiling. Finally, the operational cost of the bomber was extremely high. Accordingly, in 1965, Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara ordered the B-58 phased out by 1974. Then, as the Nixon Administration made one last attempt to bring the Vietnam War to a successful end, Defense Secretary Melvin Laird advanced this phase-out to Fiscal Year 1970 to cut defense expenditures. Accordingly, the aircraft were, except for a few display specimens, shuttled off to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, where they lingered in storage until 1977, at which time they were sold for scrap to Southwestern Alloys.
One of the most dramatic bombers of its day, the Convair B-58 came to epitomise the Cold War power of Strategic Air Command. Introduced only 12 years after the sound barrier was first broken, this iconic plane became the first large long-range supersonic bomber to take to the skies, a feat which had seemed far-fetched only a few years previously. Outstripping its contemporaries in terms of speed, and agile enough to escape most interceptors, the B-58 was a remarkable feat of engineering, setting 19 world speed records and collecting a host of trophies. The first operational bomber capable of Mach 2 at 63,000 feet, it was able to evade hostile fighters and represented a serious threat to targets across the Soviet Bloc. Supported by contemporary first-hand accounts, photography, and full-colour illustrations, this study explores the history of this ground-breaking aircraft from its conception to its little-known testing for use in the Vietnam War.
During the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, the Convair B-58 Hustler proved to be a difference maker, but by the end of the decade was retired. This tribute and historic reappraisal of this iconic USAF supersonic nuclear strike bomber is based on first-hand accounts from those who flew this record-setting aircraft for SAC during the Cold War.
Convair B-36 Peacemaker, A Photo Chronicle explores the history of the Strategic Air Command's biggest bomber that helped keep the peace during the early years of the Cold War. The six-engined B-36 - later ten engine - was the first intercontinental bomber that could fly across continents, hit its target, and return to base unrefueled - long a dream of air planners. Presented here through the use of historical photographs is the history of this magnificent airplane, from its origin just prior to America's entry into World War II in 1941, to its final days in 1959 when its last missions were flown. This book will give the reader a concise overview of the story of the Peacemaker in the 1940s-1950s. A serial number listing is included, as well as a list of all ten B-36 bomb wings.
When the B-58 Hustler bomber entered service in 1958 it was a very futuristic looking delta wing bomber creating a lot of sensation. Intended as a successor of the B-47 Stratojet it was capable of reaching twice the speed of sound. However, development went not without problems and costs risings went so out of control that the whole project was almost cancelled a few times. Strategic Air Command was initially against ordering the B-58 for service, not only because of its complexity but also since they saw no advantage of a Mach 2 bomber over other types. In spite of this the B-58 entered into service at S.A.C. in 1960. It would have a relatively short operational career... Bron: Flaptekst, uitgeversinformatie.
Author : United States Air Force Publisher : Periscope Film LLC Page : 586 pages File Size : 41,7 Mb Release : 2011-11 Category : History ISBN : 1937684938
B-58 Hustler Pilot's Flight Operating Instructions by United States Air Force Pdf
The USAF's first jet-powered bomber capable of reaching Mach 2.0, the Convair B-58 Hustler carried a crew of three and a nuclear payload. A complex aircraft, the B-58 suffered teething problems during development and became infamous for its maintenance requirements. It also compiled a dubious safety record: out of 116 Hustlers, 26 were lost in accidents. Nevertheless, the B-58's career spanned nearly a decade between 1960-70. It might have continued even longer, but Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara believed the aircraft, which was designed for high-speed, high-altitude tactical approach, was vulnerable to air-to-air missile attack. Its replacement the F-111A Aardvark would be designed to perform a low approach attack. Originally printed by the U.S. Air Force, this B-58A flight operating manual taught pilots everything they needed to know before entering the cockpit. Originally classified "Restricted", this manual was declassified long ago and is here reprinted in book form.
Highly effective weapons of war that often cost millions of dollars can easily end up in a trash pile due to quick and uninformed decisions. This work is a case study on how the B-58 supersonic bomber came to a premature death in the U.S. military, largely because of infighting among military and civilian leaders, who failed to understand the value of this fantastic airplane. It was a technological marvel for its time and the very best pilots and navigators were chosen to fly this unique aircraft. At its maximum speed of 2.2 Mach (1,452 mph) it was 21/2 times faster than the muzzle velocity of a .45 caliber bullet. It could fly faster and out turn must fighters of its day and was also capable of flying close to tree top level just below the speed of sound. It was nearly undetectable by enemy radars due to its speed and low radar cross section and was better at flying through heavy turbulence due to its solid delta wing design. It had a highly accurate navigation and bombing system. It had a capsule ejection system for the safety of the aircrew and was capable of getting airborne in only half the time required by other bombers. Told for the first time, this is the inside story that dispels the unproven myths surrounding the demise of the B-58 and why this magnificent airplane should have been saved. Its loss from the nuclear armory was a severe blow to our "Cold War" deterrence strength. The B-58 was a bomber that set the standard for fear in the heart of an enemy. Its loss was a strategic mistake. The author provides lessons learned and recommendations for military and civilian leaders, going forward, to hopefully prevent future blunders-like what happened to the B-58.
Half a century before the 'flying wing' B-2 stealth bomber entered service, John K. 'Jack' Northrop was already developing prototypes of a large 'flying wing' strategic bomber, which would have been the most radical bombers of their age. World War II brought a need for very long-range bombers and Northrop received a contract for a 172-ft span bomber, the B-35. Several of these were built, gradually evolving into the definitive XB-35 configuration. Testing revealed that the aircraft was invisible to radar, but engineers struggled to overcome the design challenges and several pilots were lost in crashes. While the program was cancelled in the 1950s, the concept extended into other highly innovative areas, such as the XP-56 and MX-324 Rocket Wing prototype fighters. But the greatest legacy was the first operational flying wing – the Northrop Grumman B-2 stealth bomber, which used much of the hard-won experience from the pioneering programs of half a century before.
