The B-58 Blunder: How the U.S. Abandoned its Best Strategic Bomber.

by Col George Holt Jr

Highly effective weapons of war that often cost millions of dollars can easily end up in a trash pile due to quick and uninformed decisions. This work is a case study on how the B-58 supersonic bomber came to a premature death in the U.S. military, largely because of infighting among military and civilian leaders, who failed to understand the value of this fantastic airplane. It was a technological marvel for its time and the very best pilots and navigators were chosen to fly this unique aircraft. At its maximum speed of 2.2 Mach (1,452 mph) it was 2½ times faster than the muzzle velocity of a .45 caliber bullet. It could fly faster and out turn must fighters of its day and was also capable of flying close to tree top level just below the speed of sound. It was nearly undetectable by enemy radars due to its speed and low radar cross section and was better at flying through heavy turbulence due to its solid delta wing design. It had a highly accurate navigation and bombing system. It had a capsule ejection system for the safety of the aircrew and was capable of getting airborne in only half the time required by other bombers. Told for the first time, this is the inside story that dispels the unproven myths surrounding the demise of the B-58 and why this magnificent airplane should have been saved. Its loss from the nuclear armory was a severe blow to our “Cold War” deterrence strength. The B-58 was a bomber that set the standard for fear in the heart of an enemy. Its loss was a strategic mistake. The author provides lessons learned and recommendations for military and civilian leaders, going forward, to hopefully prevent future blunders—like what happened to the B-58.

Genres: History

140 pages, Paperback

First published June 26, 2015

Reviews

[Michael Wiggins · Rating 3 out of 5]

The B-58 Blunder is written from the perspective of a career military man, and consequently isn't as well polished or even organized as one may have liked. Nevertheless, the book offered insight into some of the US military's often inexplicable weapons procurement decisions. Col. Holt's personal anecdotes added humor and depth to the story.
Personally, I'm doubtful that the B-58 would be particularly useful today, but I have little doubt that continuing the Hustler's service into the 1980s would have been the better course of action than pulling it out of service in the early 70s. It's possible that the B-58 may have had quite a bit more development potential in its future, as well, perhaps extending its useful life. We'll never know.

[George Brownfield · Rating 3 out of 5]

Self-published book - and reads like it. Many typos (role/roll, misspelling LeMay as Lemay) and a general lack of direction on the book itself. Some great anecdotes but significant wandering on other topics makes this as much a biography as it is a book on the B-58. Can only recommend it as an interesting aside or if you get it at low or no cost.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quirky book. Mostly anecdotal tales of a Navigator and his personal feelings on the B-58, including an interesting but odd aside featuring a wholly theoretical conversations by Russians on the merits of the plane. Several side stories that are interesting but not related to the B-58. Odd transitions that begin with such chapter headings as: “This is a B-52”. Then he will relate a story or two on the plane, and he may or may not go into technical details. Do not get this book for technical details. The capabilities of various planes are not compared side by side. While the B-58 was undoubtedly a victim of Air Force and political maneuvering, the reality is that its days were probably always numbered. The even more advanced and faster (though slightly smaller) F-111 was already coming into service.

[MnM · Rating 3 out of 5]

Since my father flew B-58's, I enjoyed reading more about the plane and history of it's use in the USAF.

[Philip Hollenback · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was pretty mediocre. The writing is inconsistent and there's not a lot of technical details. It just comes off as one guy's rant about how McNamara screwed the air force by canceling the B-58.

[Darren Driver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book. Expert inside knowledge of how and why the B-58 program was ditched in favour of inferior programs.