Air Power Series>1:72 die-cast display model>F-102>HA3604

General Background

The Convair F-106 Delta Dart began as an advanced version of the F-102 but because of so many modifications and design changes it became a new aircraft with its own designation. It was designed as a missile carrying all-weather interceptor against Soviet bombers and served in this role from the 1960s until the 1980s. The F-106A as well as the F-106B two-seat trainer served with 15 fighter interceptor squadrons starting in 1959. The aircraft was rarely referred to as the Delta Dart but was commonly called the “6”.

The Aircraft

In 1953 the 186th Fighter Squadron was re-designated the 186th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron until it was re-designated the 120th Fighter Interceptor Group in 1972 with the arrival of the F-106s. F106 57-2456 was produced in March 1959, joined the 120th FIS from June 16 1978 until May 4 1987 when it was sent to storage. March 12 1992 it was converted to a drone and on June 3 1992 it went to Tyndall AFB FL as QF-106 drone S/N AD189. July 21 1994 it was shot down by an AIM-7M.

Specifications :

Crew:	1 x Pilot
Dimensions
Length :	70.7 ft (21.55 m)
Wingspan :	38.25 ft (11.67 m)
Height :	20.28 ft (6.18 m)
Weight
Empty :	24,420 lb (11,077 kg)
Loaded :	34,510 lb (15,670 kg)
Performance:
Powerplant :	1 x Pratt & Whitney J75-17 afterburning turbojet producing 24,500 lbf (109kN)
Maximum Speed :	Mach 2.3 (1,525 mph / 2,455 km/h)
Rate Of Climb :	29,000 ft/min (150 m/s)
Time To Altitude :	6.9 min to 52,700 ft (16,065 m)
Service Ceiling :	57,000 ft (17,000 m)
Ferry Range :	2,700 mi (2,300 nm / 4,300 km)
Combat Range :	1,800 mi (1,600 nm / 2,900 km)
Armament :	1 x 20 mm (0.787 in) M61 Vulcan Gatling gun
	2 x AIM-4F Falcon
	2 x AIM-4G Falcon
	1 x AIR-2A Genie nuclear rocket