The Incredible B-58

[davparlr]

I have always been impressed by the B-58, mainly for the looks. I decided to take look and see how this amazing, and dangerous, aircraft would stack up against the contemporary interceptor aircraft. So, here are some stats


Wing Loading (wt/area)
B-58 44
F-4 78
F-106 52
F-104 105
Lightning 88
Mig-21 63

Thrust to Weight (lbsThrust/wt)
B-58 .78
F-4 .86
F-106 .71
F-104 .75
Lightning .78
Mig-21 .79

Max Speed (Mach)
B-58 2.1
F-4 2.23
F-106 2.3
F-104 2.2
Lightning 2.27 (after 1965)
Mig-21 2.05

Service Ceiling (kft)
B-58 63.4
F-4 60
F-106 57
F-104 50k
Lightning 60+ (after 1965)
Mig-21 62.3


So it is apparent that the B-58 had very similar performance with contemporary interceptors, which is an obvious advantage since the interceptors must climb to intercept. Once there, the B-58 typically had an altitude performance capability advantage, particularly over the Mig, which was slower. Now throw in the fact that the missiles in that era were particularly inefficient, and that the B-58 had a 20mm Vulcan canon for a tail stinger, and you have a potent weapons system….if it all worked. It was notoriously unreliable due to advanced and immature avionics. Also, due to the uniqueness of the delta wing, it was difficult to fly and had some inherent dangers, such as supersonic asymmetrical thrust with engine failure and instant obliteration. Apparently crews got used to it and appreciated its capabilities. I worked with a B-58 pilot and I think he was proud of it and spoke of the dangerous nature, but not in a hostile manner. The demise came with the improved ground-to-air missiles.



Still, it was a magnificent and beautiful aircraft.

The Convair B-58 Hustler - Video

[evangilder]

I have always had an affinity for the B-58. I built a model of it years ago as a teenager.

[ccheese]

Foir a short while, the "Hustler" held quite a few speed records. It was an impressive looking aircraft.

Charles

[diddyriddick]

Truly a lovely aircraft!

[FLYBOYJ]

When I was about 8 years old I could remember 2 of them overflying where I used to live. 42 years later I'll never forget that sight.

[pbfoot]

I would have wet myself if I seen them

[diddyriddick]

I would have wet myself if I seen them

Don't know about that, but I did wet myself one time when the Blue Angels were doing an airshow. They were flying right over the deck supersonic...I had had a coke in the car...The sonic boom...Well, you get the picture. I must have been all of 4 or 5.

[syscom3]

The B58 was also one loud airplane.

[wheelsup_cavu]

You didn't happen to notice who was getting out of the B-58 at the end did you ??


Wheelsup

[Flyboy2]

I likewise enjoy the B-58.. Convair sure had a knack for the delta winged aircraft didn't they?

[Stitch]

The B58 was also one loud airplane.

Yeah, with four J-79's in AB, I'll bet! I thought a Phantom was loud in AB, I can't even imagine a Hustler!

[ToughOmbre]

Featured in the 1964 movie "Fail Safe" as the "Vindicator".

Think it was her only Hollywood role.

TO

[Gnomey]

Certainly a great aircraft. Not surprised she was loud though

[klarmie]

You didn't happen to notice who was getting out of the B-58 at the end did you ??


Wheelsup

Jimmy Stewart?

[wheelsup_cavu]

Yes it was Jimmy Stewart who was climbing out of the B-58 at the end of the video Klarmie.
The video clip posted by Davparlr was taken from "Champion of Champions" that was narrated by Jimmy Stewart and then re-edited to music.

YouTube - B-58 Champion of Champions part 1 of 3
YouTube - Champion of Champions part 2 of 3
YouTube - Champion of Champions part 3 of 3


Wheelsup