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Convair F-106 Delta Dart

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F-106 Delta Dart
Convair F-106A Delta Dart of the 5th Fighter Interceptor Squadron
Role Interceptor
Manufacturer Convair
First flight 26 December 1956
Introduction June 1959
Retired August 1988 (ANG)
Primary user United States Air Force
Number built 340
Developed from F-102 Delta Dagger
A QF-106 Delta Dart shows its area ruled fuselage
F-106A Delta Darts from 5 FIS at CFB Moose Jaw in 1982
Convair F-106A (front) and F-106B of the 125th Fighter-Interceptor Group, Florida Air National Guard, over Jacksonville, Florida

The Convair F-106 Delta Dart was the primary all-weather interceptor aircraft for the United States Air Force from the 1960s through the 1980s. Designed as the so-called "Ultimate Interceptor", it has proven to be the last dedicated interceptor in USAF service to date. It was gradually retired during the 1980s, with the QF-106 drone conversions of the aircraft being used until 1998.[1]

Design and development

The F-106 emerged from the USAF's 1954 interceptor program of the early 1950s as an advanced derivative of the F-102 Delta Dagger known as the F-102B, for which the United States Air Force placed an order for in November 1955. The aircraft featured so many modifications and design changes it became a new design in its own right, redesignated F-106 on 17 June 1956.[2]

The F-102's delta wing had to be redesigned with an area ruled fuselage to exceed supersonic speed in level flight. To exceed Mach 2, the largely new F-106 featured a more powerful J-75 afterburning turbojet with enlarged intake diameter to compensate for the increased airflow requirements and a variable geometry inlet duct, which allowed the aircraft improved performance particularly at supersonic speeds, as well as permitting a shorter inlet duct. The fuselage was cleaned up and simplified in many ways featuring a modified, slightly enlarged wing area and a redesigned vertical tail surface. The aircraft's exhaust nozzle featured a device known as an idle thrust reducer, which allowed taxiing without the jet blast blowing unsecured objects around, without adversely affecting performance at high thrust levels, including afterburners. The fuselage was also slightly longer than the F-102 Delta Dagger.

The first prototype F-106, an aerodynamic test bed, flew on 26 December 1956 from Edwards Air Force Base, with the second, fitted with a fuller set of equipment, following 26 February 1957.[3] Initial flight tests at the end of 1956 and beginning of 1957 were disappointing, with performance less than anticipated, while the engine and avionics proved unreliable. These problems, and the delays associted with them nearly led to the abandoning of the program,[3][4] but the Air Force decided to order 350 F-106s instead of the planned 1,000. After some minor redesign, the new aircraft, designated F-106A were delivered to 15 fighter interceptor squadrons along with the F-106B two-seat combat-capable trainer variant, starting in October 1959.[5]

On 15 December 1959, Major Joseph W. Rogers set a world speed record of 1,525.96 mph (2,455.79 km/h) in a Delta Dart at 40,500 ft (12,300 m), becoming the first person in history to travel faster than 1,500 mph.[6][7][8]

The F-106 was envisaged as specialized all-weather missile armed interceptor to shoot down bombers. It was complemented by other century-series fighters for other roles such as daylight air superiority or fighter-bombing. To support its role, the F-106 was equipped with the Hughes MA-1 integrated fire-control system, which could be linked to the Semi-Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) network for ground control interception (GCI) missions, allowing the aircraft to be steered by controllers. The MA-1 proved extremely troublesome and was eventually upgraded more than 60 times in service.[9] Similar to the F-102, it was designed without a gun, or provision for carrrying bombs, but it carried its missiles in an internal weapons bay for clean supersonic flight. It was armed with four Hughes AIM-4 Falcon air-to-air missiles, along with a single GAR-11/AIM-26A Falcon nuclear-tipped semi-active radar (SAR)-homing missile (which detected reflected radar signals), or a 1.5 kiloton-warhead AIR-2 (MB-2) Genie air-to-air rocket intended to be fired into enemy bomber formations.[10] Later fighters such as the Phantom and F-15 Eagle carried missiles recessed in the fuselage or externally, but stealth fighters would re-adopt the idea of carrying missiles or bombs internally for reduced radar signature.

Operational history

F-106A Delta Dart from California ANG fires the AIR-2 Genie missile.
An F-106A of the 87th FIS above Charleston AFB, SC in 1982.
A Soviet Tu-95 intercepted by a 102nd FIW F-106A in 1982

The F-106 served in the continental USA, Alaska, and Iceland, as well as brief periods in Germany and South Korea. The F-106 was the second highest sequentially numbered P/F- aircraft to enter service under the old number sequence (the F-111 was highest), before the system was reset under the 1962 United States Tri-Service aircraft designation system. In service, the F-106's official name, "Delta Dart," was rarely used, and the aircraft was universally known simply as the "Six."

Although contemplated for use in Vietnam, it never saw combat, nor was it exported to foreign users. After initial teething problems were resolved, in particular, an ejection seat that killed the first 12 pilots to eject from the aircraft[11] Its exceptional performance made it very popular with its pilots. In an effort to standardize aircraft types, the USAF was directed to conduct Operation Highspeed, a fly-off competition between the USAF F-106A and the U.S. Navy F4H-1 (F-4B) Phantom, which was not only as capable as the F-106 as a missile-armed interceptor, but could also carry a bomb load as large as the F-105 fighter bomber.[12] The Phantom was the winner, but would first be tasked to escort and later replace the F-105 fighter-bomber in the late 1960s before replacing older interceptors in Air Defence Command in the 1970s.

The F-106 was progressively updated in service, with improved avionics, a modified wing featuring a noticeable conical camber, an infrared search and track system, streamlined supersonic wing tanks which provided virtually no degradation to overall aircraft performance, better instrumentation, and features like an inflight refuelling receptacle and an arresting hook for landing emergencies.[13]

Air-to-air combat testing suggested the "Six" was a reasonable match for the F-4 Phantom II in a dogfight, with superior high-altitude turn performance and overall maneuverability (aided by the aircraft's lower wing loading). But the Phantom had better radar, an additional crew to operate the radar, and could carry a load of up to four radar-guided Sparrow and four infrared Sidewinder missiles, while Falcon missiles proved a disappointment for dogfighting over Vietnam.[14] The F-4 had a higher thrust/weight ratio, superior climb performance, and better high speed/low-altitude maneuverability, and could be used as a fighter bomber. Air combat experience over Vietnam showed the need for increased pilot visibility and the utility of a built-in gun, which had been added to E variant of USAF Phantoms. Some F-106As were upgraded in Project Six Shooter[15] in 1972, fitted with a new bubble canopy without the metal bracing along the top (which greatly improved pilot visibility), an optical gunsight, and provision for a single M61 Vulcan 20 mm cannon with 650 rounds of ammunition in the center weapons bay, replacing the AIM-26 Super Falcon or Genie.

The F-15A started replacing the F-106 in 1981, with the "Sixes" typically passed on to Air National Guard units. The F-106 remained in service in various USAF and ANG units until 1988.[1]

Starting in 1986, many of the surviving aircraft were converted into drones, designated QF-106A, and used for target practice. The last was destroyed in January 1998. The drones were still capable of being flown as manned aircraft, such as for ferrying to a test; during the test they were flown unmanned.[16] A handful of F-106s were retained by NASA for test purposes through 1998.

Variants

A two-seat F-106B trainer variant of the New Jersey ANG.
The QF-106 Delta Dart target drone.
  • F-102B : The original designation of the F-106A. Fitted with the MA-1 Integrated Fire Control System with SAGE datalink, J-75 afterburning turbojet, enlarged intake, variable geometry inlet ramps and shortened intake ducts, refined fuselage shape, modified wings and redesigned tailfin; tailpipe fitted with a device to reduce the tendency of the jet exhaust to blow unsecured objects around while taxiing, yet allowing virtually maximum performance at high thrust settings including afterburner. Performance was deemed unsatisfactory and modifications were made.
Weapons configurations (projected)
2 x AIM-4 Falcon, 2 x AIM-4 Falcon, and 2 x AIM-4 Falcon or
2 x AIM-4 Falcon, 1 x AIM-26 Super Falcon, and 2 x AIM-4 Falcon or
2 x AIM-4 Falcon, 1 x AIR-2A Genie, 2 x AIM-4 Falcon
  • F-106A : Modified F-106 with improved performance. Maximum speed at least Mach 2.5, with some estimates as high as Mach 2.85 in level flight. The aircraft is capable of low supersonic speeds without afterburner with a significant range penalty and maximum altitude at least 57,000 ft. Many were fitted with a conically cambered wing for improved takeoff, supersonic, and high-altitude flight. To improve the aircraft's range, the aircraft was fitted with two streamlined supersonic tanks which were capable of sustaining roll rates of 100 degrees per second. Since these tanks produced virtually no significant performance degradation, they were rarely jettisoned and were routinely carried around. After 1972, many F-106s were refitted with a new canopy featuring improved visibility, improved optic sights, and provision for a gunpack in the center weapons bay.
Weapons configurations
2 x AIM-4 Falcon, 2 x AIM-4 Falcon, and 2x AIM-4 Falcon or
2 x AIM-4 Falcon, 1 x AIM-26 Super Falcon, and 2 x AIM-4 Falcon or
2 x AIM-4 Falcon, 1 x AIR-2A or AIR-2B Genie, and 2 x AIM-4 Falcon
2 x AIM-4 Falcon, 1 x M61 gunpack with 650 rounds, and 2 x AIM-4 Falcon
  • F-106B : Two-seat, combat-capable training version. Pilot and instructor are seated in tandem. Due to the extra seat, the fuselage is actually better area ruled; combined with a likely reduction in weight.[17]
Weapons configurations (same as F-106A)
  • NF-106B : This designation was given to two F-106Bs used as temporary test aircraft.
An F-106A of the Montana ANG viewed from the rear.
  • F-106C : Unbuilt version. Aircraft was intended to have the AN/ASG-18 radar and fire control system fitted originally developed for the XF-108 Rapier. For its time, it was the largest radar to ever be fitted to a fighter, actually requiring hydraulic actuators to turn the antenna. To accommodate this larger radar system, the nose cone was longer and of greater diameter. The design featured an improved raised canopy design featuring better visibility, canards and lengthened rectangular inlet ducts. The aircraft was to be capable of carrying one GAR-9/AIM-47A in its center bay and one AIM-26A in each side bay. At one time, the US Air Force had considered acquiring 350 of these advanced interceptors, but the F-106C/D project was cancelled on 23 September 1958.[18]
  • F-106D : Unbuilt two seat version of the F-106C.
  • F-106X : Unbuilt version (early 1968). Would have been outfitted with canards and powered by a JT4B-22 turbojet. It was envisioned as an alternative to the Lockheed YF-12, and was to have had a fire control system with "look-down, shoot-down" capability fed by a 40-inch radar dish.[7]
  • F-106E : Unbuilt version. On 3 September 1968, Convair issued a proposal for an "improved" interceptor that was to be designated F-106E/F. It was to be compatible with the upcoming airborne warning and control systems as well as with the "over-the-horizon" radar defense network. The F-106E/F would have had a longer nose and a new and improved radar with a look-down/shoot-down tracking and missile launch capability. It would also have had a two-way UHF voice and datalink radio. It would have been capable of launching both nuclear and non-nuclear missiles, including the AIM-26 Nuclear Falcon and the AIM-47.[19]
  • F-106F : Unbuilt two seat version of the F-106E.

Operators

 United States

Incidents

F-106 no. 58-0787 on the ground after the pilot ejected.
One of the last two F-106s in active service, seen here in 1990 as a safety chase aircraft in the B-1B aircraft production acceptance flight test program.

An F-106 of the 71st Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, piloted by Gary Faust, entered a flat spin over Montana on February 2, 1970. Faust followed procedures and ejected from the aircraft. The resulting change of balance caused the aircraft to stabilize, and it landed wheels up in a snow-covered field, suffering almost no damage. The aircraft was then sent back to base by rail, repaired and returned to service.[20]

Survivors

A partial list of statically displayed F-106 Delta Darts, by model, museum or base, location, and serial number:[21]

F-106A

[24]

NF-106A
F-106B
  • Kelly Field Heritage Museum, Lackland AFB/Kelly Field (former Kelly AFB), Texas [34]
  • New Jersey ANG - 177th FW, Atlantic City ANGB, Atlantic City, New Jersey 57-2523
  • Virginia Air and Space Center / Hampton History Center Hampton, Virginia [35]

Specifications (F-106A)

Orthographically projected diagram of the Convair F-106A Delta Dart.
Orthographically projected diagram of the Convair F-106A Delta Dart.

Data from Quest for Performance[36]

General characteristics

Performance

Armament

See also

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

Related lists

References

Notes
  1. ^ a b Winchester 2006, p. 55.
  2. ^ Pace 1991, p. 138.
  3. ^ a b Peacock 1986, p.200.
  4. ^ Wegg 1990, p.209.
  5. ^ Green 1964, p. 138.
  6. ^ Drendel 1980, p. 92.
  7. ^ a b Donald 2003, p. 232.
  8. ^ "U.S. Jet Sets 1,520.9-M.P.H. Speed Record", Oakland Tribune, 16 December 1959, p. 1.
  9. ^ Baugher, Joe. Convair F-106A Delta Dart. Convair F-106A Delta Dart Retrieved: 26 February 2007.
  10. ^ Winchester 2006, p.54.
  11. ^ Broughton 2007, p. 17. Note: Broughton commanded the 5th FIS when these fatalities occurred.
  12. ^ National Museum of the U.S. Air Force
  13. ^ Donald 2003, pp. 242, 246.
  14. ^ Donald 2003, pp. 259–260.
  15. ^ Donald 2003, p. 250.
  16. ^ Donald 2003, pp. 270–271.
  17. ^ It is uncertain if the F-106B was fitted with the modified Project Sharpshooter optic sights and gunpack provision.
  18. ^ Baughers: F-106C/D Note: After the cancellation of the Avro Arrow, the Canadian government briefly considered purchasing the F-106C/D. After the F-106C/D project was canceled, it acquired CF-101s, instead.
  19. ^ Air To Combat: F-106C/D/E/F
  20. ^ Curtiss, Tom. "58-0787 landed Pilot-less in a field in Montana." Mohawk Flyer, 10 March 1978. Retrieved: 10 March 2009.
  21. ^ AeroWeb list of F-106 Delta Darts on display in the US.
  22. ^ A Brief History of Convair F-106A SN 59-0010
  23. ^ 59-023
  24. ^ 59-0105
  25. ^ 56-459
  26. ^ 56-460
  27. ^ 59-069
  28. ^ 59-123
  29. ^ 59-0134
  30. ^ 59-0003
  31. ^ 59-145
  32. ^ 58-0787
  33. ^ Convair F-106A Delta Dart
  34. ^ 57-2533
  35. ^ N816NA
  36. ^ Loftin, L.K, Jr. "Quest for performance: The Evolution of Modern Aircraft." NASA SP-468. Retrieved: 22 April 2006.
Bibliography
  • Broughton, Jack. Rupert Red Two: A Fighter Pilot's Life from Thunderbolts to Thunderchiefs. Osceola, Wisconsin: Zenith Press, 2007. ISBN 978-0-7603-3217-7
  • Carson, Don and Lou Drendel. F-106 Delta Dart in Action. Carrollton, Texas: Squadron/Signal Publications, 1974. ISBN 0-89747-014-1.
  • Donald, David. "Convair F-106 Delta Dart: The Ultimate Interceptor."Century Jets. London: AIRtime Publishing Inc, 2003. ISBN 1-880588-68-4.
  • Drendel, Lou. Century Series in Color (Fighting Colors). Carrollton, Texas: Squadron/Signal Publications, 1980. ISBN 0-89747-097-4.
  • Green, William. The World's Fighting Planes. London: Macdonald, 1964.
  • Pace, Steve. X-Fighters: USAF Experimental and Prototype Fighters, XP-59 to YF-23. Oscela, Wisconsin: Motorbooks International, 1991. ISBN 0-87938-540-5.
  • Peacock, Lindsay. "Delta Dart...Last of the Century Fighters". Air International, October 1986, Vol 31 No 4. Stamford, UK:Fine Scroll. pp.198-206, 217.
  • United States Air Force Museum Guidebook. Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio: U.S. Air Force Foundation, 1975.
  • Wegg, John. General Dynamic Aircraft and their Predecessors. London:Putnam, 1990. ISBN 0-85177-833-X.
  • Winchester, Jim, ed. "Convair F-106 Delta Dart." Military Aircraft of the Cold War (The Aviation Factfile). London: Grange Books plc, 2006. ISBN 1-84013-929-3.
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