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.