Post by Keith Heitmann on Oct 22, 2003 7:44:23 GMT -5
The B-58 Hustler was the first jet bomber in the world to reach double the speed of sound. Its flying capabilities were rather difficult to get used to, even critical, but its pilots were compensated by its phenomenal speeds and rate of climb. The B-58 was the first USAF aircraft that was more than just a combat plane - it was a complete weapons system and was developed and built as such. It received a streamlined pod suspended under the fuselage to carry fuel and weapons. This enabled it to be adapted very quickly to a multiplicity of weapons and electronic equipment to meet current mission requirements. The B-58 also carried atomic weapons. By 26th October 1962 116 planes had been built and delivered to the US strategic bomber command. Due to its unusual speed and in-flight refuelling capability, the USAF was able to break a whole range of speed and long-distance records. In Operation Greased Lightening in October 1963 it flew the 12,885 km stretch from Tokyo to London via Alaska, North Canada, Greenland and Iceland, at an average speed of 1,506 km/h. In June 1970 the B58 was retired from active service.
Model-details:
- Structural details on surfaces
- Detailed cockpit with instrument panel
- Detailed ejector seat
- Detailed landing gear bays
- Detailed nose landing gear
- Detailed main landing gear with 4 twin tyres each
- 4 engines with detailed nozzle area
- 2 bombs
- One two-component (fuel/bomb) pod
- Super decals with two USAF versions
Colors: 30 47 91 99 302 310
Model details
Scale 1:48
Release date 01/2003
No. of parts 124
Length 654 mm
Wingspan 356 mm
Skill Level 5
Original details
Type description Three seat strategic bomber
Year/Period 1952
Origin USA
Engine capacity 4 x 7076 kp
Speed 2232 km/h