B-58 Hustler - "Daughter Of The Cold War" Print

The B-58 Hustler was designed to fly at high altitudes and supersonic speeds to deliver a single nuclear weapon into enemy territory. The aircraft featured 4 powerful General Electric J79-GE-5A afterburning turbojet engines and a delta wing. It was the first bomber capable of Mach 2 fight. 

The Hustler entered service in 1960 flying with 43rd Bombardment Wing and the 305th Bombardment Wings. The airplane operated with the Strategic Air Command until it was retired in 1970.

The B-58 featured cutting-edge technology for the time. The 60 deg swept delta wing was considered very thin. The airplane utilized extensive application of aluminum honeycomb panels. The engine inlets used moving, conical spikes which were adjusted according to the airflow requirements for low speed and high speed flight. The airplane featured a three-man crew and required a heavy workload to fly.

The B-58 Hustler set 19 world speed records including the longest supersonic flight in history. The flight took place in 1963 travelling from Tokyo to London (via Alaska). It covered a total distance of 8,028 miles in 8 hours, 35 minutes, 20.4 seconds, averaging 938 miles per hour. Refueling during flight occurred 5 times during the flight. The record still stands today. 

The B-58 won the Bleriot trophy, the Thompson trophy, the Mackay trophy, the Bendix trophy and the Harmon trophy. 

With introduction of high-altitude surface-to-air missiles by the Soviet Union, the B-58 was forced to adopt a low-level-penetration role that severely limited its range and strategic value. This incredible aircraft was retired after just 10 years of service.

16" x24" Archival Matte Print

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Mark Karvon Art Studios

In order to provide the highest quality artwork to our valued customers and patrons, all our prints are only printed by a professional printing company on Heavyweight Archival Paper using Epson Ultrachrome professional archival inks. We understand your art purchase is personal and our printing process ensures your treasured print will last for many years. Prints are signed by the artist and feature an extra 1" border to allow for matting and framing.