The Convair B-58 Hustler, designed and produced by American aircraft manufacturer Convair, was the first operational bomber capable of Mach 2 flight. [1] The B-58 was developed during the 1950s for the United States Air Force (USAF) Strategic Air Command (SAC).

When the groundbreaking B-58 Hustler enters service in 1960, Brewer becomes the first B-52 radar navigator to be selected for air crew duty on the world's first supersonic bomber with a Mach 2 cruise capability.

Convair built 116 B-58s: 30 test and pre-production aircraft and 86 for operational service. Hustlers flew in the Strategic Air Command between 1960 and 1970. Setting 19 world speed and altitude records, B-58s also won five different aviation trophies.

Mar 19, 2025 · It could shorten the time available for Moscow to answer with its own retaliatory strike after the B-58 Hustler rained death and destruction on the Soviets. The B-58 was the first supersonic bomber that could reach Mach 2 with a top altitude of 85,000 feet, and it made its maiden flight in 1956.

Jul 21, 2022 · When it comes to awards and accolades, the Convair B-58 Hustler is truly unrivaled. The first bomber to ever reach Mach 2, its speed is what set the B-58 apart from the rest – but this also came with its own consequences.

Mar 20, 2025 · Despite the Hustler’s cutting-edge capabilities, advanced engines, and relatively lightweight airframe, the notorious jet still came with a host of flaws. The platform’s high costs coupled with...

May 2, 2021 · Thanks to early research into supersonic flight, the United States broke Mach 2 in 1953—and wanted to transform the Air Force’s bomber capabilities with this newfound speed. They turned to the...

May 28, 2024 · Included here was the idea of creating a water-based version of the B-58 to use as a medium-range, medium-payload strike system for the Strategic Air Command. Modifying the B-58 to operate from the water was not as simple as just bolting on a couple of floats.

The B-58 was a four engine, delta wing bomber, capable of speeds in excess of Mach 2 (twice the speed of sound). It carried a crew of three: pilot, navigator/bombardier, and defensive systems operator, each sitting in tandem in individual escape capsules.

The Convair B-58 Hustler was the first operational supersonic jet bomber capable of Mach 2 flight Aircraft History Pictures and Facts.