Convair F-106 Delta Dart

Aircraft family

The Convair F-106 Delta Dart was developed from the earlier F-102 Delta Dagger as an all-weather interceptor for the United States Air Force. Initially known as the F-102B, the substantially revised design received a separate designation because of extensive structural changes and a more powerful engine. [1]

Aircraft family

The first F-106A flew on December 26, 1956. Deliveries to the Air Force began in July 1959, and production ended in late 1960. A total of 277 F-106A aircraft and 63 two-seat F-106B aircraft were built. [1]

Aircraft family · Based on documented F-106 equipment

An important feature of the F-106 was its Hughes MA-1 electronic guidance and fire-control system. Once airborne, the aircraft could use the MA-1 system to guide it toward the required altitude and interception position. [1]

Aircraft family · Based on documented F-106 equipment

The system could also control the release of Genie and Falcon air-to-air missiles, direct the aircraft away from the target and guide it back toward its base. The pilot resumed control for landing. [1]

Individual aircraft: National Museum of the United States Air Force F-106A · This is an individual aircraft incident, not a general characteristic of the F-106 fleet.

A well-known F-106A preserved by the National Museum of the United States Air Force survived an unusual accident on February 2, 1970. After its pilot ejected during an uncontrollable flat spin, the aircraft recovered and landed without a pilot in a snow-covered field near Big Sandy, Montana. [1]

Individual aircraft: National Museum of the United States Air Force F-106A · This is an individual aircraft incident, not a general characteristic of the F-106 fleet.

Following repairs, the aircraft returned to service before eventually entering the museum collection in 1986. [1]