u/bane_iz_missing

Boop the snoot!

B-58 Hustler cockpit mod by KH.

Taking the B-58 Star Hustler for an orbital hop.

The Convair B-58 Hustler was a supersonic strategic bomber, the first capable of Mach 2 flight. Designed and produced by American aircraft manufacturer Convair, a division of General Dynamics. The B-58 was developed during the 1950s for the United States Air Force Strategic Air Command and served as a nuclear platform until 1970

This specific B-58 was a trainer variant, Modified with a second cockpit/control station so instructors could train pilots safely. Only a small number were converted from standard B-58s. It has been stored at Grissom Air Museum in Peru, Indiana. Recently, it was moved from it's outside parking spot to an indoor enclosure specially built for it, to preserve and honor the memory of Captain Manuel "Rocky" Cervantes, who Tragically lost his life in one of the worst broken arrow incidents, involving not just one, but FIVE nuclear bombs. This airframe is the oldest surviving B-58 and was the fourth ever produced.

Grissom Air Museum is one of those hidden gems that should get way more recognition than what it is afforded, and it's not because it houses one of the last eight remaining B-58 Hustlers in the world, but because it has so much more to see. Only a few hours drive from the USAF museum in Ohio, GAM is one of those spots that's too tantalizingly close to pass up (which is what I did in the summer of 2025 after spending time at the USAF museum).

I have a personal bucket list to try and see all of the remaining B-58 Hustlers left, so far I have crossed two off of the list.

"You are commanded to power down your engines and prepare to be boarded..."