Test 118, which was conducted in January 1953, is listed in the tunnel log book as "MX 1964 Drag Test Model (Convair)". At some unknown date, the tunnel log book was corrected from MX 1964 to MX 1626. The MX numbering system was the (probably classified) USAF project designator system similar to today's code word system for classified projects. MX-1964 was the USAF project designation for the long-range supersonic bomber XB-58 Hustler aircraft and was a continuation of USAF MX-1626 project which was a Convair supersonic bomber/reconnaissance aircraft study (Convair Model W-4). MX-1626 was, in turn, a continuation of the USAF project MX-871, which was a Consolidated-Vultee generalized supersonic heavy bomber study. It is interesting to note that the weapons pod carried by the production B-58 aircraft was originally a strategic high-altitude air-to-surface missile designated MX-1964-A. Regardless of the correct project designation (probably MX-1626), the photographs below obviously show an early B-58 Hustler development model (note the mid-wing mounted, single engine-nacelle on each wing and the long weapon, or weapon pod, mounted under the fuselage). Based on the tunnel log description, the model (note faired-over nacelle inlets) was used to determine the subsonic/transonic drag characteristics of the aircraft configuration.
Tests in the 16-Foot Transonic Tunnel covered all three major development phases (see the first photograph below):
Test 118 (Current Test) - Convair MX-1626 Drag Test
Test 120 - Convair MX-1964 Trim Drag Test
Test 132 - Convair B-58 Aerodynamics Test
Report is here: https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/19990014470Found in a NACA report a good number of configurations leading to the B-58. Judging from the drawings and model photos published by Jay Miller in his "B-58", the six 3-views I post go from the MX-1626 (number 1) to the definitive proposal. In particular, number 5 seems the configuration mock-upped (twin engine nacelles). Enjoy.. Relevant NACA report is RM SL53K04.
Test 120 was a follow-on test to Test 118 except the USAF project had progressed to a competition between Convair (MX-1964) and Boeing (MX-1965). Test 120 was conducted in two tunnel entries during July 1953 to September 1953. The first entry was labeled in the run log as a pressure test; the second entry examined the aerodynamic effects of a cambered and uncambered wing, elevon settings, nacelle integration (split and siamese), and fins on the weapons pod. The MX numbering system was the (probably classified) USAF project designator system similar to today's code word system for classified projects. MX-1964 was the USAF project designation for the Convair long-range supersonic bomber XB-58 Hustler development aircraft and was a continuation of USAF MX-1626 project which was a Convair supersonic bomber/reconnaissance aircraft study (Convair Model W-4). MX-1626 was, in turn, a continuation of the USAF project MX-871, which was a Consolidated-Vultee generalized supersonic heavy bomber study. It is interesting to note that the weapons pod carried by the production B-58 aircraft was originally a strategic high-altitude air-to-surface missile designated MX-1964-A.
and the mystery of pod Label "PPB"
Nope, the small number B-58s were quite busy as SAC's deterrent force. The reorganization of the military under McNamara directed the Air Force to retire them almost as soon as they were coming into service; expensive to operate and maintain, as well as vulnerable to SAMs, to be replaced by the "affordable" TFX F-111 penetrator.I have a question: Was the B-58 ever used in Vietnam? Did it ever fly into southeast Asia for potential operations? (Say, Thailand.)
nopeI have a question: Was the B-58 ever used in Vietnam? Did it ever fly into southeast Asia for potential operations? (Say, Thailand.)
I have a question: Was the B-58 ever used in Vietnam? Did it ever fly into southeast Asia for potential operations? (Say, Thailand.)
nopeI have a question: Was the B-58 ever used in Vietnam? Did it ever fly into southeast Asia for potential operations? (Say, Thailand.)
The B-58 never saw action in Vietnam
Three issue were:
Although planned for reconnaissance (pod never build) it was a nuclear bomber only - no conventional Bomb loads
B-58 was build for high altitude bomb drop and was not easy to handle, special in low-level flight the B-58 was dangerous to fly.
Another factor were the huge operation and maintain cost of B-58 fleet of 116 aircraft (were 25 lost in accidents!)
i can understand McNamara why he retire the B-58 for a multi use TFX
I have a question: Was the B-58 ever used in Vietnam? Did it ever fly into southeast Asia for potential operations? (Say, Thailand.)
The use of the B-58 in Vietnam was considered, a camouflage scheme was worked out for it.
Also, while not directly SEA related, a terrain following radar pod was schemed, to allow the B-58 to operate at low altitudes.
Images source; Aerofax Aerograph 4, Convair B-58, pages 89 and 130.
cheers,
Robin.
I know of no reason why the B-58 could not have been used as a conventionally armed bomber, had there been any serious intention of doing so. It had multiple hard points that could probably have been adapted, much as the nuclear-armed B-52s were adapted. But it would have been expensive and of no greater utility than cheaper types.
FWIW, I nearly spilled my caffeine giggling, as reminded me of the Andersons' series' tech...
I would like to see this image (and inscription) as April 1st replacement of SPF main page top pictureJ.G. Hanna, the guard at entrance of MX-1964 mockup area
An old one. Been out more than a year I think.So a new book?