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F-106 Delta Dart
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Photo:
Robert Deering 10/18/2012 National Museum of the USAF Wright-Patterson AFB (FFO) Dayton, Ohio |
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The F-106
all-weather interceptor was developed from
the Convair F-102 Delta Dagger. Originally
designated F-102B, it was redesignated F-106
because it had extensive structural changes
and a more powerful engine. The first F-106A
flew on December 26, 1956, and deliveries to
the Air Force began in July 1959. Production
ended in late 1960 after 277 F-106As and 63
F-106Bs had been built. The F-106 used a
Hughes MA-1 electronic guidance and fire
control system. After takeoff, the MA-1 can
be given control of the aircraft to fly it
to the proper altitude and attack position.
Then it can fire the Genie and Falcon
missiles, break off the attack run and
return the aircraft to the vicinity of its
base. The pilot takes control again for the
landing.
The aircraft on display was involved in an unusual incident. During a training mission from Malmstrom Air Force Base on Feb. 2, 1970, it suddenly entered an uncontrollable flat spin forcing the pilot to eject. Unpiloted, the aircraft recovered on its own, apparently due to the balance and configuration changes caused by the ejection, and miraculously made a gentle belly landing in a snow-covered field near Big Sandy, Mont. After minor repairs, the aircraft was returned to service. It last served with the 49th Fighter Interceptor Squadron before being brought to the museum in August 1986. |
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