google spotting- B-58 pod at Castle?

Spectre_I · **Posted:** Sun Mar 15, 2015 1:15 pm

Fouga23 wrote:

Spectre_I wrote:

It's a hulk and beyond restoration.

While I agree with you that there are many parts missing that would be near impossible to find, why not try to save the nose/cockpit section? That way a piece of it can be preserved, you have a (partial) Hustler for the museum, and a restoration of that part seems perfectly feasible. Better that no Hustler in the museum and the last available survivor to become beercans!

First disclaimer: I don't make the decisions at Castle. I'm just a restoration guy

I dunno about "many parts". I'd go with, "most parts".

Aside from no parts (no small aside), the next obstacle is fabrication. The B-58 was comprised of largely aluminum honeycomb panels. Even re-skinning it would be next to impossible. I know "anything" can be done with enough desire and money, but we simply don't have the millions of dollars it would take to build a Hustler basically from scratch.

That being said, if anyone wants to give theirs up, I'll transport it myself.

Spectre_I · **Posted:** Sun Mar 15, 2015 1:18 pm

ALOHADAVE wrote:

The B-58 out on the Edwards range is not beyond restoration. It just needs EXTRA work. I recently visited the plane, with permission of course.
It needs to be saved. They also have a B-47 out on the range too.
http://pacaeropress.websitetoolbox.com/post/derelict-b47-out-on-the-edwards-afb-range-7256058?pid=1285901540#post1285901540

The good news is we do have a B-47 on display.

APG85 · **Posted:** Sun Mar 15, 2015 5:51 pm

I think the Edwards B-58 is beyond hope unless there's a load of extra parts in a warehouse someplace.

Blackbirdfan · **Posted:** Wed Mar 18, 2015 12:46 am

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't Super Snoopy one of the chase planes for the XB-70 and/or the YF-12 programs? Yes, its in pretty sad shape, but it does have some good history.

Will

sandiego89 · **Joined:** Mon May 21, 2012 12:28 pm **Posts:** 1201

Blackbirdfan wrote:

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't Super Snoopy one of the chase planes for the XB-70 and/or the YF-12 programs? Yes, its in pretty sad shape, but it does have some good history.

Will

I am not aware of "snoopy" 55-665 being used a chase aircraft.

55-662 was used as a XB-70 chase aircraft, after she was converted to a TB-58. Perhaps she was the only Huster used for XB-70 chase?

Snoopy was used for the A-12 program, but not as a chase aircraft as far as I know. She got the long nose and other changes to test the radar system and GAR missile for the F-108 Rapier and the A-12.

One source:

http://b58hustlerassn.net/B-58%20Aircraft%20History.pdf

I have Jay Millers excellent book at home, may have more info....

Blackbirdfan · **Posted:** Wed Mar 18, 2015 3:18 pm

sandiego89 wrote:

Blackbirdfan wrote:

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't Super Snoopy one of the chase planes for the XB-70 and/or the YF-12 programs? Yes, its in pretty sad shape, but it does have some good history.

Will

I am not aware of "snoopy" 55-665 being used a chase aircraft.

55-662 was used as a XB-70 chase aircraft, after she was converted to a TB-58. Perhaps she was the only Huster used for XB-70 chase?

Snoopy was used for the A-12 program, but not as a chase aircraft as far as I know. She got the long nose and other changes to test the radar system and GAR missile for the F-108 Rapier and the A-12.

One source:

http://b58hustlerassn.net/B-58%20Aircraft%20History.pdf

I have Jay Millers excellent book at home, may have more info....

Thats it, I knew there was a YF12 tie in there somewhere. Still, sad to see it rotting where its at. The same thing with B52 008.

Will

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google spotting- B-58 pod at Castle?

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