Convair B-58 Hustler Strategic Bomber

One of the most ambitious warplanes ever attempted was the Convair Model 4. It was planned as supersonic bomber with escape pods for the crew, a large delta wing supporting four podded engines, and a weapons pod that carried both the weapon and fuel. The Model 4 became the B-58 Hustler and the first prototype flew in 1956. The operational bomber became the B-58A, of which 86 were built. Powered by four 15,600 lb turbojets, the B-58A had a Max speed of 1,385 mph or Mach 2.1 at 40,000 ft with a range of 2000 miles. Armed with a 20 mm rotary barrel cannon in the tail, the B-58 could carry a 19,450-lb jettisonable weapons pod and 7000 lbs of disposable stores on four underwing hardpoints. Because of prohibitive maintenance costs,the B-58 Hustler was retired in 1970.