Convair B-58 Hustler Pilot's Flight Operating Instructions

The USAF s first jet-powered bomber capable of reaching Mach 2.0, the Convair B-58 Hustler carried a crew of three and a nuclear payload. A complex aircraft, the B-58 suffered teething problems during development and became infamous for its maintenance requirements. It also compiled a dubious safety record: out of 116 Hustlers, 26 were lost in accidents. Nevertheless, the B-58 s career spanned nearly a decade between 1960-70.

Originally printed by the U.S. Air Force, this flight operating manual taught pilots everything they needed to know before entering the cockpit. Classified Restricted , the manual was recently declassified and is here reprinted in book form. This facsimile has been reformatted and color images appear in black and white. Care has been taken however to preserve the integrity of the text.