Convair B-58 Hustler: The United States' First Operational Supersonic Bomber

The Convair B-58 Hustler became the United States’ first operational supersonic bomber, according to the material cited in the report. The aircraft could reach nearly twice the speed of sound.

Key details

• The United States developed the Convair B-58 Hustler.
• The bomber could carry nuclear weapons.
• Its design used speed to evade Soviet fighters and missile defenses.

The Convair B-58 Hustler could fly at nearly twice the speed of sound.

Why it matters

The B-58 combined supersonic flight with a nuclear payload capability. Its design also relied on speed as a means of avoiding fighters and missile defenses.