Convair F-102 Delta Dagger

Aircraft family

The Convair F-102 Delta Dagger was developed for the United States Air Force as an all-weather interceptor, primarily intended to detect and destroy approaching hostile aircraft. It became the USAF's first operational delta-wing aircraft and the world's first supersonic all-weather jet interceptor. [1]

Aircraft family

The F-102 made its first flight on October 24, 1953, and entered operational service with Air Defense Command in 1956. By the late 1950s, more than 25 Air Defense Command squadrons operated the aircraft. [1]

Variant: F-102A · Representative of documented equipment

The F-102 combined a delta-wing configuration with onboard electronic detection, radar-guided interception and an electronic fire-control system. Once the aircraft had located a target, its radar and fire-control equipment supported the final attack and automatic release of air-to-air weapons. [1]

Aircraft family

Convair produced 1,000 F-102 aircraft, including 889 F-102A interceptors and 111 TF-102A combat trainers. The TF-102A used side-by-side seating for training. [1]

Individual aircraft: National Museum of the United States Air Force F-102A · This paragraph describes the museum aircraft, not the wider family.

The F-102A preserved by the National Museum of the United States Air Force served with the 57th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron in Iceland and was flown to the museum in 1971. [1]