B-52 Stratofortress vs B-58 Hustler

Overview

The B-52 Stratofortress and the B-58 Hustler are both Bombers, manufactured by Boeing and Convair respectively.

The B-58 Hustler reaches 2,123 km/h — 2.1x the B-52 Stratofortress's 1,000 km/h. The B-52 Stratofortress has an operational range of 14,200 km vs 7,600 km for the B-58 Hustler. The B-58 Hustler operates at altitudes up to 19,324 m compared to 15,000 m for the B-52 Stratofortress. At 220,000 kg MTOW, the B-52 Stratofortress is 2.7x the B-58 Hustler's 80,240 kg.

The B-52 Stratofortress has been produced in 744 units vs 116 for the B-58 Hustler. Unit cost is $70M for the B-52 Stratofortress vs $18M for the B-58 Hustler. The B-52 Stratofortress first flew 4 years before the B-58 Hustler (1952 vs 1956).

B-52 Stratofortress

American strategic bomber, significant for Cold War role, actively used in conflict zones from Vietnam to the Gulf War.
Boeing B-52 Stratofortress Bomber profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Bombers
Manufacturer Boeing
First flight 15 April 1952
Year introduced 1955
Number produced 744 units
Average unit price $70 million
→ View full B-52 Stratofortress details

B-58 Hustler

American supersonic jet bomber, introduced during the Cold War, noted for its service with the Strategic Air Command.
Convair B-58 Hustler Bomber profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Bombers
Manufacturer Convair
First flight 11 November 1956
Year introduced 1960
Number produced 116 units
Average unit price $18 million
→ View full B-58 Hustler details

B-52 Stratofortress

Wing area 370.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 56.4 m ◉
Height 12.4 m ◉
Length 48.5 m ◉
Maximum speed 1000 km/h ◉
Operational range 14,200 km ◉
Service ceiling 15,000 m ◉
Max. takeoff weight 220,000 kg ◉
Empty weight 83,250 kg ◉
Total thrust 8 x 968 kgf ◉

B-58 Hustler

Wing area 143.3 m² ◉
Wingspan 17.3 m ◉
Height 8.9 m ◉
Length 29.5 m ◉
Maximum speed 2123 km/h ◉
Operational range 7,600 km ◉
Service ceiling 19,324 m ◉
Max. takeoff weight 80,240 kg ◉
Empty weight 25,200 kg ◉
Total thrust 4 x 1,100 kgf ◉

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the B-52 Stratofortress or B-58 Hustler?
The B-58 Hustler is faster with a maximum speed of 2,123 km/h compared to the B-52 Stratofortress's 1,000 km/h, a difference of 1,123 km/h.
Which has longer range, the B-52 Stratofortress or B-58 Hustler?
The B-52 Stratofortress has a longer range at 14,200 km compared to the B-58 Hustler's 7,600 km.
Which can fly higher, the B-52 Stratofortress or B-58 Hustler?
The B-58 Hustler has a higher service ceiling at 19,324 meters (63,398 ft) compared to the B-52 Stratofortress's 15,000 meters (49,212 ft).
Which is heavier, the B-52 Stratofortress or B-58 Hustler?
The B-52 Stratofortress has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 220,000 kg compared to the B-58 Hustler's 80,240 kg.
Which is larger, the B-52 Stratofortress or B-58 Hustler?
The B-52 Stratofortress is longer at 48.5 meters compared to the B-58 Hustler's 29.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the B-52 Stratofortress or B-58 Hustler?
The B-52 Stratofortress is more expensive at approximately $70 million per unit compared to the B-58 Hustler at $18 million.
Which entered service first, the B-52 Stratofortress or B-58 Hustler?
The B-52 Stratofortress entered service first in 1955, 5 years before the B-58 Hustler which entered service in 1960.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the B-52 Stratofortress or B-58 Hustler?
The B-52 Stratofortress has been produced in greater numbers with 744 units compared to 116 units of the B-58 Hustler.

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