The Convair MX-1964, a lesser-known and fascinating chapter in the history of aircraft design, holds a unique place in the evolution of high-performance military jets. Developed in the early 1960s, the MX-1964 was a pre-cursor to the B-58 Hustler, which would go on to become one of the most iconic supersonic bombers in the U.S. Air Force’s history. Although the MX-1964 never made it past the concept phase, it was a stunning design that captured the imagination of aviation enthusiasts and military strategists alike. With its sleek lines, cutting-edge features, and innovative engine configuration, it’s easy to see why the Convair MX-1964 is often referred to as an “awesome” aircraft.

Origins of the Convair MX-1964 Design

The Convair MX-1964 design emerged during a period of intense Cold War competition between the Soviet Union and the United States, particularly in the realm of military aviation. The U.S. Air Force was looking to develop a new kind of strategic bomber that could meet the growing threat of Soviet air defenses while also staying ahead in terms of speed and range. To achieve this, the U.S. military required a bomber that could fly at high speeds while carrying heavy payloads and operating in contested airspace.

Convair, a leading aircraft manufacturer at the time, had a reputation for pushing the boundaries of aviation design. Their previous success with the B-36 Peacemaker, a long-range strategic bomber, and the B-58 Hustler solidified their role as a key player in the development of cutting-edge military aircraft.

The MX-1964 was conceived as a conceptual design to meet the Air Force’s evolving needs. It featured a striking, futuristic look that emphasized speed, stealth, and maneuverability. Most notably, it incorporated two General Electric J79 engines, which were mounted in pods under each wing. This configuration was quite radical for its time and set the MX-1964 apart from conventional aircraft designs.

The Engine Configuration: A Bold Innovation

One of the most eye-catching features of the MX-1964 design was its use of two General Electric J79 engines, which were mounted in pods under each wing. The J79 was a highly successful turbojet engine that had already been used in aircraft like the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II and the B-58 Hustler. However, the MX-1964 design took the engine configuration to a new level.

By mounting the engines in wing pods, the engineers at Convair were able to reduce the aircraft’s overall radar cross-section and increase the efficiency of airflow around the fuselage. This unconventional design was a reflection of the growing importance of stealth technology and high-speed performance. The placement of the engines also had the added benefit of improving the aircraft’s weight distribution and enhancing its stability at high speeds. Additionally, this configuration would have helped in maintaining the aircraft’s center of gravity in the optimal position for supersonic flight.

Design Features and Appearance

The Convair MX-1964 boasted a sleek and angular design, showcasing a level of aerodynamic sophistication that was ahead of its time. The aircraft had a delta wing design, a feature that became popular in high-speed jet aircraft. The delta wing was ideal for supersonic flight, as it minimized drag and allowed for greater maneuverability at high speeds.

The aircraft’s fuselage was long and narrow, contributing to its sleek, futuristic appearance. Its nose was sharply pointed, emphasizing the aircraft’s role as a high-speed bomber capable of breaking the sound barrier. The tail section of the MX-1964 featured a twin-fin configuration, with two vertical stabilizers positioned on either side of the aircraft. This design was reminiscent of the tail configurations used in other supersonic bombers, such as the B-58 Hustler and the Concorde.

What truly made the MX-1964 stand out was the engine pods mounted under the wings, giving the aircraft a somewhat futuristic and unconventional look. These engine pods not only housed the General Electric J79 engines, but also contributed to the aircraft’s overall aerodynamic performance. The MX-1964’s aggressive, angular lines, combined with its innovative engine configuration, gave it a distinctly “futuristic” appearance, making it a visually striking aircraft.

The Concept of Speed and Supersonic Flight

One of the primary goals of the Convair MX-1964 was to achieve supersonic speeds with a heavy bomber configuration. The B-58 Hustler, which would eventually be developed based on some of the MX-1964’s design principles, was capable of flying at speeds of over Mach 2 (twice the speed of sound), a revolutionary feat for a bomber at the time.

The MX-1964 was designed with a similar focus on high-speed performance, with the General Electric J79 engines providing the thrust needed for supersonic flight. These engines had been proven on other aircraft, such as the F-104 Starfighter and the B-58 Hustler, making them an ideal choice for the MX-1964 design. The aircraft’s delta wing design and streamlined body also contributed to its ability to cut through the air at incredible speeds, potentially making it one of the fastest bombers of its era.

The B-58 Hustler: The Legacy of the MX-1964

While the Convair MX-1964 did not go into production, its design laid the groundwork for the development of the B-58 Hustler, which would become the U.S. Air Force’s first operational supersonic bomber. The B-58 Hustler shared many of the same features as the MX-1964, including the delta wing design, the twin-engine pods, and the General Electric J79 engines.

The B-58 Hustler, introduced in 1959, was a groundbreaking aircraft that demonstrated the potential of supersonic flight in military aviation. Its speed, stealth, and firepower made it an essential part of the U.S. Air Force’s arsenal during the Cold War. The MX-1964 concept, though never fully realized, had an undeniable impact on the design of the B-58 Hustler, which went on to become an iconic aircraft in its own right.

Conclusion: A Look at an “Awesome” Aircraft

The Convair MX-1964 may not have reached production, but its bold, innovative design left an indelible mark on the history of military aviation. With its sleek delta wing, twin-engine pods, and powerful J79 engines, the MX-1964 was a stunning example of aircraft design that embraced the possibilities of supersonic flight. Although it never flew into active service, the aircraft’s legacy lived on in the development of the B-58 Hustler, one of the most famous high-speed bombers of the Cold War.

In the world of aviation enthusiasts and military history, the Convair MX-1964 stands as a testament to the visionary minds of the era and their ability to push the limits of technology. The aircraft’s bold aesthetics and futuristic design are a reminder of how far aircraft development had come by the 1960s, and how innovation continues to shape the future of military aviation.