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Convair |
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F-106
Delta Dart
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%20(8X4).jpg)
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Photo:
Robert Deering 10/18/2012
National Museum of
the USAF
Dayton, Ohio |
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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SPECIFICATIONS:
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PERFORMANCE: |
| Span:
38 ft. 4 in.
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Maximum speed:
1,525 mph
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Length:
70
ft. 9 in |
Cruising speed:
650 mph
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Height:
20 ft. 4 in.
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Range:
1,500 statute miles
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Empty Weight:
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Service ceiling:
53,000 ft.
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Gross Weight:
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Crew:
One
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Engines:
One Pratt & Whitney J75-P-17 of 24,500 lbs.
thrust with afterburner
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Armament:
One AIR-2A Genie air-to-air nuclear missile
plus four AIM-4 Falcon air-to-air missiles
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SOURCE:
National Museum of the United States Air
Force |
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1959 DOD
Aircraft
Recognition Manual Page |
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