Out of the 116 B-58 supersonic bombers built, eight survive. The type had a high accident rate and relatively short service life from 1960, ending in 1970 when it was determined that the cost of maintaining the fleet was too great. This example was operated by the 43rd BW from Carswell AFB, TX and in March 1962 set a transcontinental speed record averaging 1,214 mph while flying non-stop from Los Angeles to New York (in 2:00 hours) and back, winning the crew the Bendix and Mackay Trophies. It was ferried to the museum in December 1969 - my 1973 photo here shows it outside

Convair's magnificent but demanding B-58 equipped two of SAC's Bomb Wings between 1960 and 1970, the 43rd at Carswell AFB, TX and the 305th at Bunker Hill/Grissom AFB, IN. The example which has been preserved by the USAFM since December 1969 served the former and won trophies in 1962 for the fastest transcontinental crossing of the US

Ca.1961: TOS USAF: assigned to the 43rd Bomb Wing (SAC), Carswell AFB, TX. 5 Mar 62: Set transcontinental speed record by flying non-stop from Los Angeles to New York and back. Crew awarded Bendix and Mackay trophies. 9/64: Unit moved to Little Rock AFB, AR. 12/69: 2750th Air Base Wing (Air Force Logistics Command), Wright-Patterson AFB, OH; the plane was then ferried to Wright Field to await the construction of the new Air Force Museum.

Ca.1961: TOS USAF: assigned to the 43rd Bomb Wing (SAC), Carswell AFB, TX. 5 Mar 62: Set transcontinental speed record by flying non-stop from Los Angeles to New York and back. Crew awarded Bendix and Mackay trophies. 9/64: Unit moved to Little Rock AFB, AR. 12/69: 2750th Air Base Wing (Air Force Logistics Command), Wright-Patterson AFB, OH; the plane was then ferried to Wright Field to await the construction of the new Air Force Museum.

Now on display in the Cold War Gallery of the National Museum of the USAF. Note the small 'Bendix Trophy Winner' titles underneath the cockpit. This aircraft earned that accolade for setting three speed records flying between Los Angeles to New York and back in March 1962.