On this date in 1956, the first prototype XB-58, serial number 55-0660, made its first flight at Fort Worth, Texas, with Convair’s Chief Test Pilot, Beryl Arthur Erickson. The B-58 Hustler served with the United States Air Force as a Mach 2 strategic bomber with the singular purpose of delivering an atomic weapon from a high altitude. It was crewed by a pilot, navigator/bombardier, and a defensive systems operator, located in individual cockpits. Due to advancements in ground-to-air and air-to-air missiles, a higher than average accident rate, and perhaps political decisions, the 116 aircraft only served from 1960 to 1970. Other than the museum samples, all were sent to Davis-Monthan AFB, Tucson, Arizona for long-term storage, though none were brought back to serve. Other than its beautifully aggressive design, the Hustler remains best known for setting numerous speed records.
No comments:
Post a Comment