Hustler

[Glenn[_2_]]

[Steven P. McNicoll[_2_]]

D Wright wrote:
>
> Thanks for some great pics. I've always regarded the b-58 as being
> far far ahead of its time, both in terms of aircraft design and weapon
> systems.
>

I can't agree with that. Had the project been started a few years later it
would have been canceled while still on paper. Once SAMs forced it down to
low level you had a short range bomber with small payload that was only
marginally faster than a B-52.

It was one sexy airplane though.

[D Wright]

Steven P. McNicoll wrote:
> D Wright wrote:
>> Thanks for some great pics. I've always regarded the b-58 as being
>> far far ahead of its time, both in terms of aircraft design and weapon
>> systems.
>>
>
> I can't agree with that. Had the project been started a few years later it
> would have been canceled while still on paper. Once SAMs forced it down to
> low level you had a short range bomber with small payload that was only
> marginally faster than a B-52.
>
> It was one sexy airplane though.
>
>
Yes. The missile technology quickly caught up, and even passed it. But
from an aircraft standpoint, it was leading edge. Keep in mind it could
carry a payload at 80,000 feet @ Mach 2. Not too shabby for a 1950's
airplane

It also featured an advanced (for 1950's) star tracking INS, and the
caution light panel was augmented by a sexy female voice. It had a
unique ejection system - seems like I read somewhere that it was tested
with a live bear during development. Must have had one p.o.'d bear on
their hands if the test was successful.