Herpa 1:200 Wings 559850
Convair XB-58 Hustler Diecast Model
USAF, #55-0660 Prototype 1, Maiden Flight, November 11th 1956 |
| 1:200 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Convair XB-58 Hustler | | 5.75" | | 3.5" |
Over 60 years after its maiden flight, the B-58 has not lost any of its elegance. The main goal was to develop a strategic bomber that could reach twice the speed of sound. The result was a sleek delta-winged aircraft with a "wasp waist" or "coke bottle" fuselage. The main weapons load, a strategic bomb was combined into a fuel tank pod. In addition, four tactical nuclear bombs could be carried on the fuselage sides.
Two XB-58 prototype aircraft were built, with the first aircraft, serial #55-0660 rolling off the production line on August 31st, 1956. The program was performed under high security: prior to the roll out, no unauthorized individual had knowledge of its shape or basic configuration. Convair's Chief Test Pilot, Beryl Arthur Erickson, took the aircraft on its maiden flight on November 11th, 1956. The prototype exceeded Mach 1 for the first time on 30 December of that year. The difficult and protracted flight test program involving 30 aircraft continued until April 1959. A total of 116 B-58s were produced: 30 trial aircraft and 86 production B-58A models. Most of the trial aircraft were later upgraded to operational standards. Eight were equipped as TB-58A training aircraft.
Designed as a supersonic strategic medium-range bomber, the B-58 was first flown on November 11th, 1956. Convair applied much of the experience they had gained from developing delta-winged supersonic fighters to the design. A unique feature of the aircraft was the use of a jettisonable centerline pod which not only contained additional fuel for the aircraft but also housed the nuclear payload or specialized reconnaisance equipment. The Hustler became the United States' first operational supersonic bomber when it entered service in 1960 but was retired just 10 years later when Soviet missile technology canceled out any advantage the aircraft had over the exisiting B-52 fleet. © Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Herpa "1:200 Wings" range presents detailed, ready-made diecast models of civilian and military aircraft in 1:200 scale.
Herpa "1:200 Wings" diecast airplanes feature:
- Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
- Permanently extended landing gear with non-rotating wheels.
- Some releases feature interchangeable open/closed canopies.
- Authentic fixed ordnance loads.
- Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.
© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
