Convair F-102 Delta Dagger
Photo from USAF Museum F-102A
Like the North American F-100 Super Sabre the Convair F-102 Delta Dagger can also claim some impressive firsts. The F-102 was the first all-weather supersonic jet interceptor, it was also the USAF's first operational delta wing fighter. The F-102 entered service with the Air Defence Command in 1956 and by the late 50's equipped 25 squadrons of the Command. The 102, had it gone to war in its intended role would have doubtless been a very deadly weapon indeed. The Delta Dagger was equipped with advanced electronic features which would find the enemy aircraft. The 102's radar would then take over directing the plane into position for attack. Once positioned the F-102 would pounce. The weapons bay doors would open releasing a devastating barrage of rockets and guided missiles. An unusual feature of the F-102 was that its 2.75 inch rockets were contained in the weapons bay doors. This reduced the drag that externally carried rockets and missiles cause, thus allowing for greater speed. The Delta Dagger served in Vietnam, but because of the lack of North Vietnamese bombers the F-102's were limited in their contribution.
Specifications
(Data for F-102A)
Origin: Convair Aircraft Corporation
Type: All-Weather Interceptor
Crew: Pilot
Powerplant: One Pratt & Whitney J57 Turbojet 7 200 kg thrust with afterburner
Dimensions
Span: 38 ft. 1 in.
Height: 21 ft. 2 in.
Length: 68 ft. 4 in. (including boom)
Weight: 14 201.5 kg max.
Performance
Maximum Speed: 1 296 kph
Cruising Speed: 960 kph
Climb Rate:
Range: 1 600 km
Service Ceiling: 16 500 m
Armament
24x unguided 2.75 inch rocket & 6x guided missiles (AIM-4C or AIM-4D Falcon)
First Flight: October 24, 1953
User(s): RETIRED
Production: 975 F-102A; 126 F-102B; 111 TF-102
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