Convair (General Dynamics) B-58 Hustler

[GTX_Admin]

Hi folks,

An aircraft that just oozed sex appeal:

So let's see your ideas?

Regards,

Greg

[GTX_Admin]

To start with, whilst looking for something else, I stumbled across this:

EUROPEAN RECOGNITION MODEL - B-58 - 1:200 SCALE



Several European/NATO countries produced recognition models during the cold war period; models were produced in several scales and in various materials. I assume that some of these were also available on the commercial market. This B-58 model is in 1:200 scale with a length of 5.87 inches. The material is plastic and the model has a raised number "303" on the undersurface of the wing. This attractive example of a NATO recognition model is available for Sorry Sold.

Source

Now, whilst many of us have considered doing a RAF B-58, I am intrigued by the fact that this recognition model has RAF markings...hmmm, I wonder what the story behind it is?

Regards,

Greg

[GTX_Admin]

Whilst on the European theme, what about a French Force de Frappe B-58 instead of the Mirage IV?

[GTX_Admin]

More inspiration:

[GTX_Admin]

Now whilst I know there were some proposals for B-58 derived passenger aircraft (see below), I wonder about something simpler whereby a passenger version of the pod is used?

[tc2324]

Here`s my interpretation of this aircraft in RAF markings from last year.

[GTX_Admin]

 :)

[raafif]

did someone say "sex appeal" ....

[GTX_Admin]

 :)

[upnorth]

I've always thought the B-58 was one of the most Soviet looking designs that America ever came up with. It has Tupolev or Myashishev written all over it

Using the Academy 1/144 kit, I once tried to take the two outboard jet pods and move them to positions either side of the vertical fin in Tu-22 "Blinder" style. I didn't get it to work as well as I had hoped, but I will try it again sometime.

My idea was to scratch build some "Ash" AAMs for it and maybe make it a Myashishev competitor to the Tu-128 "Fiddler".

The B-58 just looks like red stars and bort numbers should be on it.

[GTX_Admin]

Whilst the B-58 was used in trials to support the YF-12, what about a dedicated USAF interceptor version?  Maybe armed with up to 8 Phoenix or equivalent?  Crew could comprise pilot plus RIO and Offensive electonics officer or even two RIOs.

[Rickshaw]

Early mockup of the B-58.   Makes an interesting comparison to what was built.

[elmayerle]

Whilst the B-58 was used in trials to support the YF-12, what about a dedicated USAF interceptor version?  Maybe armed with up to 8 Phoenix or equivalent?  Crew could comprise pilot plus RIO and Offensive electonics officer or even two RIOs.

With the "Snoopy" nose and a new ventral pod to carry those missiles?  Why not.  Of go for four very long-range Eagle missiles, similar to those carried by the F6D,  or AIM-47/54 missiles with a booster stage added, on the existing stores hardpoints under the wing.

[The Big Gimper]

Mike over at Lone Star Models has built in 1/48 the J-93 engine pod and decals. See here.

How about one or two of these vs four of the J-79s?

Other sites have indicated that the product release has been delayed.

[elmayerle]

I've always thought the B-58 was one of the most Soviet looking designs that America ever came up with. It has Tupolev or Myashishev written all over it

Using the Academy 1/144 kit, I once tried to take the two outboard jet pods and move them to positions either side of the vertical fin in Tu-22 "Blinder" style. I didn't get it to work as well as I had hoped, but I will try it again sometime.

My idea was to scratch build some "Ash" AAMs for it and maybe make it a Myashishev competitor to the Tu-128 "Fiddler".

The B-58 just looks like red stars and bort numbers should be on it.

According to The Future was FAB, Gerry Anderson's model shop did just that, but with both engines on each side for one of his shows.

[elmayerle]

I was rather taken by the enlarged B-58 with four J75s that the Aerofax book, final edition, depicted.  I'm thinking that a Canadian version of that one, with Iroquois engines replacing the J75's, would be quite the whif.                           

[LemonJello]

I like the look of that mock-up with the podded engines in pairs and the forward placed centerline pod.  Interesting.

When my self-imposed embargo on additions to the stash is lifted (read "when I lock up a job for after retirement") I may have to add a 1/48 version of this beast to the stash 1) it'd look cool next to my Bone and b) it'd look cool, period. 

There seems to be a little family resemblance between the B-1 and the B-58, at least to my eyes...

[elmayerle]

Courtesy of Mr. Fontaine, I have a 1/48 example plus four SRAM missiles.  I'm looking to do a "Pathfinder" version which would open a corridor in enemy defenses to allow other bombers through.  I'm not sure if I'll do it in SEA night camo or some variation of European One, but it'll definitely need something.  The other temptation is to replace the 1/48 J79 nozzles with 1/72 F100 nozzles to simulate replacement of the J79s with PW1120s for better range and performance.

[Alvis 3.1]

I was rather taken by the enlarged B-58 with four J75s that the Aerofax book, final edition, depicted.  I'm thinking that a Canadian version of that one, with Iroquois engines replacing the J75's, would be quite the whif.                           

Awesome idea, one I've mulled aboot for years. Another is a stock B-58 with 4 F-104s as the engine pods. The entire plane becomes the weapon pod, with the 104s popping off at the last minute then fighting their way back out...huh....what? Yes, I know, totally insane, but it would look awesome!!!!!!!!!

I'm surprised NASA didn't have one for testing various inlet configurations and vehicle shapes at high speeds. The HUstler would look nice in the all white/blue cheat line scheme.

Alvis 3.1

[Daryl J.]

10-12 passenger transport for Team Penske Racing.

[finsrin]

Flip engines to top of wings.
Mount wing and nose pontoons.
Torpedoes under fuselage.

[GTX_Admin]

Given Alexander Lippisch's possible (albeit indirect IIRC) influence in Convair's  work that led to the B-58 Hustler (big stretch here I know), what if we had a "Fatherland" style scenario whereby the B-58 was a German Lippisch dsigned bomber?

[elmayerle]

Given Alexander Lippisch's possible (albeit indirect IIRC) influence in Convair's  work that led to the B-58 Hustler (big stretch here I know), what if we had a "Fatherland" style scenario whereby the B-58 was a German Lippisch dsigned bomber?

Lippisch on his own or still working for Messerschmitt?  If the latter, perhaps as a Me-561 (or higher number - I can see it as, though, as a continuation of the '61 line of fast multi-engined aircraft).

[GTX_Admin]

Either or...

[jcf]

The triangle shape is about the only thing Lippisch's work has in common with Convair's work.
They quickly saw that his thick wings were a no go, and moved on, the old man didn't,
so for the same reasons a Messerippisch B-58 is unlikely. Unless you follow a similar path,
with Messerschmitt saying 'nice shape, but too fat. Stand over here Doc while we cutout
the schnitzel'.