B-58s, ground speed, and flight lunches

[southwestforests]

Scroll down and read "Your most memorable mission?"

Looking for something about ground speed and flight lunches.

https://hushkit.net/2022/05/08/life-and-death-in-the-delta-queen-my-time-on-the-b-58-hustler-supersonic-bomber/

 

[Geoff M]

very interesting.

[southwestforests]

Several years back I got the B-58 Blunder book mentioned.

It too is interesting. Is from 2015.

Page 112 is, "The case of the A-10 Warthog -- another blunder in the making?"

 

Backing up to earlier pages about B-58,

top of page 63,

"

For the claim that B-58s were more expensive to operate, one

would have to believe that the size of a B-52 Wing was the same size

as a B-58 Wing. Not True. The two B-58 Wings each had 39 UE

(unit equipped) B-58s assigned, whereas the six B-52 Wings had a 

normal complement of only 15 UE (unit equipped) B-52s assigned.

...

Thirdly, a Top Secret report (now unclassified) estimated the

annual operating costs of strategic bombers, including the associated

cost for KC-135 tanker refueling support for both the B-52 and the B-

58. Surprisingly, it showed that the B-58, on an airplane-to-airplane

basis was lest costly to operate. 25.

"

that 25 refers to a footnote.

 

Author also addresses some myths about the B-58.

One of them concerning low-level operations. 

Just below middle of page 72,

"

In Sept 1959, even before the B-58 entered the operational force,

it flew three low altitude penetration flights. One four hour mission

on Sept 18 included a two hour flight at .92 Mach (700 Mph) at 500

feet or less AGL (above ground level.) One portion was as low as

200 feet AGL.  The low-level route started at Carswell AFB Texas

and ended with a simulated bomb attack on Edwards AFB in

California for a total of 1217 miles. It was noted to have been a

smooth ride despite turbulence and showed that the B-58's delta wing

with its low aspect ratio and strength was uniquely adaptable for low

level, high speed, flight. 19.,40. 

"

the 19 and 40 refer to footnotes

[GreyGhost]

And the B-58 could have easily been upgraded with newer engines with the engine nacelle/pylon design ...

Interesting article, thanks SWF ...

 

-Gregg

[ST0RM]

The bit about cutting the B-58s in favor of retaining older B-52s and ultimately losing them as well, is even present in today's Air Force. Cutting Here to save There and in the end, still losing overall. 
Great article!