B-58 Hustler USAF Airplane Model

B-58 Hustler USAF Airplane ModelConvair B 58 Hustler airplane model. The delta wing B 58 Hustler was the first USAF supersonic operational bomber. The B 58 made its initial flight on Nov. 11, 1956 and flew supersonically on Dec. 30, 1956. Distinctive B 58 features included its sophisticated inertial guidance navigation and bombing system, slender "wasp waist" fuselage, and extensive use of heat resistant honeycomb sandwich skin panels in the wings and fuselage. The thin fuselage

Convair B-58 Hustler airplane model. The delta-wing B-58 Hustler was the first USAF supersonic operational bomber. The B-58 made its initial flight on Nov. 11, 1956 and flew supersonically on Dec. 30, 1956. Distinctive B-58 features included its sophisticated inertial guidance navigation and bombing system, slender "wasp-waist" fuselage, and extensive use of heat-resistant honeycomb sandwich skin panels in the wings and fuselage. The thin fuselage prevented internal carriage of bombs so an external droppable two-component pod beneath the fuselage contained extra fuel and a nuclear weapon, reconnaissance equipment, or other specialized gear. The B-58 crew consisted of a pilot, navigator-bombardier, and defense systems operator.

The USAF ordered 86 Hustlers which were operational in the Strategic Air Command between 1960 and 1970. B-58s set 19 world speed and altitude records and won five different aviation trophies. Note:There were a total of 116 B-58s built: 30 test and pre-production aircraft and 86 for inventory.

Mahogany Wood. Scale: 1/72. Wingspan 9 3/4 inches, Length 16 3/4 inches.