NFV - Supersonic B-58 Hustler (2003)

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NFV - Supersonic B-58 Hustler (2003)

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The B-58 Hustler was the first supersonic bomber to enter production for the USAF, and the winner of no less than 19 speed and altitude records. This video includes the B-58's first flights, its bombing accuracy, speed records and MITO (minimum interval takeoffs). Also featured are training versions, and the Hustler's radical new escape ejector system.
B-58 Hustler First Test Flight On Veterans Day, Nov 11th, 1956 Convair's revolutionary delta wing B-58 "Hustler" supersonic bomber took to the skies for the first time, piloted by B. A, Ericson, You'll see both the low and high speed taxi testing, including front wheel lift off, that proceeded the B-58's first flight, delivering excellent footage of the silvery prototype from a number of angles.The first flight takes the aircraft to Mach .7 at 20,000' and back down again without a hitch – and you'll see it all in this memorable color film.
B-58 Hustler: Swift, Capable, Versatile, Operational! This film report from the US Air Force on the progress of the B-58 Program was produced by the Convair Division of General Dynamics in January 1961. Highlights include B-58 crews scrambling from their '58 Chevy to get their Hustler airborne; the 18th Sept, 1959 low level capability demonstration flight from Texas to California averaging over 600 kts at altitudes below 500', unique film of a B-58's automatic release of it's weapons pod at Mach 2, at over 50,000'; 43rd Bomb Wing B-58s win SAC's 1960 Combat Competition, defeating 24 other aircraft in both high & low level bombing classifications, and the amazing string of speed and altitude records set at Edwards AFB in January, 1961.
Open Road III: B-58 MITO Tests During the depths of the Cold War, SAC bombers had only 15 to 20-minutes to get airborne between the launch of enemy missiles and their arrival at US targets. That meant that the ability get US air forces on their way quickly and efficiently was absolutely essential for survivability, striking power and deterrence. A critical element in this quick response was "MITO" - "Minimum Interval Take-Off." This involved determining the optimum interval between the launching aircraft to achieve the fastest possible deployment. There's some beautiful B-58 take-off footage here.
Airplane 11: The First B-58 Trainer The first trainer version of the Hustler, the TB-58, was delivered by General Dynamics to the US Air Force in August, 1960, the first of eight R&D aircraft (this was "aircraft 11" in the test series) converted for that purpose. The biggest change involved converting the Bomber/Navigator station (2nd seat aft) to a pilot/instructors compartment with instrumentation and controls.Highlights include great footage of the colorfully painted TB 58 training version in operation, a tour of the mock up of the converted crew section, and unique in flight footage shot from inside the aircraft.
B-58 Ejection System Development The B-58 was the first aircraft capable of operating at sustained supersonic speeds at very high altitudes. That posed new problems for crew ejection and survivability. This film, produced by General Dynamics and the US Air Force, shows the unique challenges in ejecting from the B-56 and the solutions that were developed over time.
Escape and Survive Developed by B-58 capsule subcontractor and ejection seat pioneer Stanley Aviation, this film focuses on the design, manufacture and testing of the capsule itself.

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NFV - Supersonic B-58 Hustler (2003)

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NFV - Supersonic B-58 Hustler (2003)

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NFV - Supersonic B-58 Hustler (2003)

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