Science: Hustling B-58

Standing on the runway on insectlike legs, the plane had a hunched, tense look. Its nose was a sharp metal spike, and the leading edges of its delta wing curled downward a little, suggesting a cobra's hood. But even when it was standing still, it seemed to be moving, and when its engines opened wide, it snapped forward like a toy on a rubber cord and leaped into the air at a sharp angle. The plane was the new B58 Hustler, a bomber made by Convair.

Showing it off last week at Fort Worth, Texas,...

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