Stratojet

Stratojet is the nickname often used for the Convair B-58 Hustler, an American strategic bomber built for the United States Air Force (USAF). Introduced in 1960, the B-58 was the United States’ first operational supersonic bomber and a principal early example of high-speed, high-altitude strategic delivery during the Cold War.

Development and design: The B-58 was developed by Convair in the 1950s as a purpose-built, all-jet bomber. It featured a swept-wing configuration and four General Electric J79 turbojet engines mounted in pods under the wings. The aircraft had a slender, pressurized fuselage and a crew of three, operating an internal bomb bay capable of delivering nuclear payloads. It was designed to achieve speeds above Mach 2 and service ceilings around 50,000 feet.

Operational history: The Stratojet entered USAF service with the Strategic Air Command and saw active operation through the early 1960s. It embodied the era’s emphasis on speed and altitude for strategic deterrence, but its high operating costs and maintenance demands limited its production and deployment. The B-58 was gradually retired from frontline service in 1969–1970, with many airframes reassigned or scrapped.

Variants and legacy: The primary production model was the B-58A Hustler, with later proposed upgrades that did not enter wide service. Although short-lived in comparison with other bombers, the Stratojet remains notable as the USAF’s first operational supersonic bomber and for its role in exploring high-speed strategic bombing concepts during the early Cold War.