B-58 Hustler

Doyle. The Convair B-58 Hustler, with its distinctive delta wing shape, would become the world's first supersonic bomber, and the first aircraft to fly to Mach 2. With development beginning in 1949, the B-58, which could not carry conventional weapons, would become part of the U.S. nuclear arsenal during the height of the Cold War. Although these bombers were initially considered difficult to operate, in time the hand-chosen crews who flew them came to love and respect the aircraft. Expensive to operate, budget issues forced the early retirement of the bomber. 112 pages, 192 color and B&W photos, 9"x 9", hardcover.