Academy 4442 B-58 Hustler

Convair B-58 Hustler is an American strategic bomber with a low wing delta wing structure. It was the first bomber jet to exceed the speed of sound twice. The plane did not have much maneuverability and had rather poor flight characteristics, but any shortcomings were rewarded with phenomenal speed and rate of climb. The B-58 was the first non-military aircraft in the history of the USAF. It was designed and built to be a flying arsenal of weapons. It had a warhead containing fuel and weapons suspended under the fuselage. This allowed him to easily adapt to various types of missions as it made it possible to take various types of weapons and electronic equipment on board. The B-58 also carried nuclear loads. Since October 26, 1962, 116 aircraft of this type have been built and delivered to the US Army. Thanks to their incredible speed performance and in-flight refueling, the USAF was able to set many records in range and flight speed. During Operation Greased Lightening in October 1963, he flew 12,885 km from Tokyo to London via Alaska, Northern Canada and Greenland at an average speed of 1,506 km / h. In 1970, it was withdrawn from operation. Technical data: Maximum speed: 2600 km / h, speed of climb: 88 m / s, maximum ceiling 19300 m, maximum range: 7600 km, armament: fixed - 1 20mm T171 cannon, suspended - up to 8820 kg of bombs.