Ron Cole's portrayal of the famous Convair B-58 Hustler in its intended design role as a high-altitude high-speed nuclear-capable strategic bomber.
The B-58 was designed to fly at high altitudes and supersonic speeds to avoid Soviet interceptors, but with the Soviet introduction of high-altitude surface-to-air missiles, the B-58 was forced to adopt a low-level penetration role that severely limited its range and strategic value. It was never used to deliver conventional bombs. The B-58 was substantially more expensive to operate than other bombers, such as the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress, and required more frequent aerial refueling. The B-58 also suffered from a high rate of accidental losses. These factors resulted in a relatively brief operational career of ten years.
DETAIL:
EXAMPLE OF 13x19 FRAMED & MATTED:
Each signed & numbered by the artist.
