ACADEMY PLASTIC HOBBY MODEL KIT 1/144 B-58A HUSTLER

The delta-wing B-58 Hustler was the first USAF supersonic bomber put into production and the first bomber to reach March 2. The B-58 made its initial fight 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 "Coke bottle" fuselage, and extensive use of heat-resistant honey-comb sandwich skin panels in the wings and fuelage for lower weight and greater strength. 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. Crew members consited of a pilot. navigator-bombardier. and defense systems operator.
A total of 116 B-58s were constructed between 1956 and 1962, and the last was withdrawn from service on Jan. 31. 1970. Being the first bomber capable of exceeding Mach 2, the B-58s set 19 world speed and altitude records and won five different aviation trophies-more than any other combat airplane.

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