Brand new 1/200 scale diecast airplane model of Convair XB-58 Hustler Aircraft "B-58 Test Force, Mach-in-Boid" United States Air Force die cast model by Herpa. Brand new box. Detailed exterior. True-to-scale detail. Includes landing gear. Comes with a display stand. This model does not have any openings. Manufacturer's original unopened packaging. Made of diecast metal with some plastic parts. Dimensions approximately L-6, Wingspan-3.25 inches. Diecast metal and plastic construction for durability and a heavy, realistic feel. HISTORY ASPECTS: The USAF XB-58A, tail number 55-661, was part of the B-58 Hustler program, an experimental bomber developed in the 1950s by Convair for the United States Air Force (USAF). The B-58 Hustler was the first supersonic bomber capable of sustained Mach 2 flight, making it a groundbreaking achievement in aviation technology. The XB-58A, as a prototype, played a pivotal role in testing and validating the complex systems and high-speed performance characteristics that would define the operational B-58 fleet. With its delta-wing design and four-engine configuration, the aircraft was a marvel of engineering that pushed the boundaries of speed, altitude, and innovation. Assigned to the B-58 Test Force, tail number 55-661 was heavily involved in testing at Edwards Air Force Base, California. It underwent rigorous trials to evaluate the aircraft’s handling at supersonic speeds, aerodynamic capabilities, and overall flight performance. The tests conducted by the XB-58A were crucial in ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the production models that would later enter service with the Strategic Air Command (SAC). The B-58 was designed to carry nuclear payloads at high altitudes and speeds, which made the flight test phase critical to understanding its operational limits. Although the XB-58A did not see combat, its contributions to the development of strategic bombers during the Cold War were invaluable. While the B-58 Hustler program itself was relatively short-lived due to high operating costs and advancements in missile technology, the XB-58A prototype and test force aircraft were instrumental in pushing aviation technology forward. Their testing efforts helped pave the way for future supersonic aircraft and set new standards for bomber performance. The B-58 Hustler remains a symbol of Cold War-era innovation, and tail number 55-661, as part of the test force, holds a special place in aviation history for its role in shaping the future of high-speed flight. Collectors and aviation enthusiasts will appreciate this 1:200 scale model, tail number 55-661. With its sleek, delta-wing design and detailed representation, this replica captures the essence of a pioneering aircraft that pushed the boundaries of supersonic bomber technology. It’s a perfect tribute to one of the most iconic experimental bombers of the Cold War era.