Convair B-58 Hustler

Strange fact: Initially the rear firing 20 mm canon had a muzzle velocity of about the same as the forward speed of the aircraft (Mach 2), so that the shells were literally left hanging in the air, with almost no speed relative to the ground. To be damaged, an attacker would have to fly into the shells - not very likely. Later they increased the muzzle velocity, but ultimately it was removed completely.

less of a flying machine... More of a platform for an engine

not capable of mach2 but nevertheless... An amazing machine.

maximum speed around 1400 mph or mach 2.1...

I stand corrected... Do you know how long it can maintain Mach2+ ? My guess is maybe a few minutes...

HELLO alan!! the earlier models were not inflight refuel capable.. so iwould guess not very long with 4 J -79's going all out... but the later models i would say had a much higher sustained mach number...

Oh God, the Hustler, I love that thing.

The tank you see beneath the fuselage is a nuclear bomb within a fuel tank,when the fuel was expended then the crew would drop the bomb.The reason was the fuselage is too narrow(wasp waist) to hold bombs internally and the plane was designed before aerial refueling. The B-58 was a beautiful aircraft and paved the way for the F-100 series fighters.

the f-100 was introduced and flew before the hustler.

Its weapons deilvery system also was inadequate. It seemed like it was hasty and not thought out very well, especially for for such an advanced aircraft.