| Submit your comments on this article |
| Science & Technology |
| In Defense of the B-58 |
| 2024-09-10 |
| [RealClearDefense] Many consider the Convair B-58 Hustler, the world’s first Mach two bomber, to have been a highly problematic aircraft in the 1950s. It was an extremely expensive aircraft, and its reported lack of range, along with safety concerns, combined with General Curtis Lemay’s opposition to the whole concept, helped force the USAF brass to retire the aircraft very early in its career. That is the conventional thinking expressed in Kenneth P. Werrell’s 2024 book, Air Force Disappointments, Mistakes and Failures, 1940-1990. Werrell quotes an Air Force historian named John Greenwood, who provides a quick summation of the case against the aircraft: “‘The B-58, although the holder of numerous world speed records, was severely restricted in its usefulness and lifetime. Designed for supersonic, high altitude penetration, the B-58 was limited in range, payload, and growth potential for the addition of advanced radar and other electronic equipment. The decision to phase out the B-58 was an easy one.’” (p.146) The B-58 was retired in 1970, and for many, it is a forgotten aircraft, never fully appreciated in its time. Military minds are often not receptive to radical innovative ideas, like a supersonic bomber was in that era, and stubbornness animated the USAF generals to get rid of this aircraft before it had a real chance to prove its worth. Status quo or conservative thinking may have its place in many arenas, but the military really should not be one of them for they are in the business of protecting democracy, and innovation in weapons design and doctrine can make a significant difference in combat. |
| Posted by:Mercutio |
| #3 ...FWIW, one story I heard on several occasions is that the -58 was simply too expensive and demanding to operate as the escalating costs of Vietnam started to pile up. When it worked it worked very well - but it was maintenance-intense, and couldn't be adapted to Vietnam operations. (Not that they didn't try; there was an attempt to use -58s as a bombing pathfinder but the plan was scuttled before tests were run, mainly because DOD was terrified of losing a -58 in combat.) Robert MacNamara without question took advantage of this; he wanted the -58s gone and PDQ at that and wasn't going to let the USAF try and delay it. So he made USAF a deal - retire the -58 and they would get two wings worth of a dedicated medium bomber version of the TFX. This is what became the FB-111, which was actually everything the -58 was never quite able to become. It had its own issues, but it served long and well. Mike |
| Posted by: MikeKozlowski 2024-09-10 17:54 |
| #2 Loved by the AF higher ups like the A-10. |
| Posted by: Procopius2k 2024-09-10 11:19 |
| #1 Long range strategic bomber...why? RETRO Travel anywhere in under an hour: Elon Musk's new plan |
| Posted by: Skidmark 2024-09-10 10:29 |