Unveiled in 1956, the B-58 Hustler was in service for the U.S. Air Force between 1960 and 1970. Convair built 116 jets in total, with 86 going into operation, and 30 built as pre-production and test aircraft. The Hustler was capable of reaching speeds of 1,325 miles per hour, and could achieve a total range of 4,400 miles without refueling. Hustlers could also achieve an altitude ceiling of just under 65,000 feet. While it’s possible for commercial jets to reach great heights, the majority of travel that ticketholders cruise along for is done at an altitude of roughly half this feat (35,000 feet, typically).
Height and speed make aircraft difficult to detect and harder to intercept. For comparison, the F-22 Raptor is rated for an altitude limit of 60,000 feet (with some models offering extended range up to 65,000 feet), but can achieve a top pace of 1,500 miles per hour. Fighter jets are sleeker and often incorporate better maneuverability for faster travel. This means that a bomber either must fly with a defensive accompaniment, or achieve a higher flight path than the enemy can functionally defend against.
In it’s time, the B-58 Hustler broke 19 world speed and altitude records, making it both one of the fastest and highest-flying aircraft in the skies.
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