Convair F-106 Delta Dart
Photo from Jeremy Harkin's Military Aircraft Archive F-106A
The Convair F-106 Delta Dart began life as the F-102B in the mid-1950's. However, the structural and propulsion system changes in the Delta Dart were sufficient to warrant a new designation, thus was born one of the greatest "interceptors" of all time. Like the F-102 Delta Dagger the F-106 was an interceptor and nothing but. The 106's Hughes MA-1 electronic guidance and fire-control system would fly the plane after takeoff directly to a suitable attack position. At which point the Delta Dart would release a powerful array of aerial weaponery, like the nuclear armed AIR-2 Genie rocket, and the less potent AIM-4 Falcon missile. After the plane had expended its munitions the MA-1 would fly it back to base and turn the controls over to the pilot for landing. Yes, the F-106 is indeed the perfect interceptor. It can fligh high and fast and can intercept enemy bombers with great ease. Unfortunately, lacking even a canon the F-106 would be a poor match for an agile fighter like the MiG-17 or 19 in dogfight.
Specifications
(Data for F-106A)
Origin: Convair Aircraft Corporation
Type: Interceptor
Crew: (A)Pilot (B) 2
Powerplant: One Pratt & Whitney J75-P-17 Turbojet 11 025 kg thrust with afterburner
Dimensions
Span: 38 ft. 4 in.
Height: 20 ft. 4 in.
Length: 70 ft. 9 in.
Weight: 35,000 lb
Performance
Maximum Speed: 2 440 kph
Cruising Speed: 1 040 kph
Climb Rate:
Range: 2 400 km
Service Ceiling: 15 900 m
Armament
One AIR-2A Genie air-to-air nuclear missile and four AIM-4 Falcon air-to-air missiles.
First Flight: December 26, 1956
User(s): RETIRED
Production: 277 F-106; 63 F-106B
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