The B-58 Hustler was the first supersonic bomber of the US Air Force. Featuring a delta-wing design and four General Electric J79 afterburners, high altitudes were never a problem for this jet bomber—and this became an especially useful feature during the early years of the Cold War. With thirty tons of thrust, the B-58 Hustler launched with confidence in 1956 as part of the US Air Force supersonic bomber program. The thunderous roar of its four turbojet engines as it took off the runway signified its superiority and warned enemy aircraft of its might. It also boasted inertial guidance navigation and bombing systems. Although it has been phased out of the US Air Force inventory, it provided a model for further bomber and turbojet development.