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The Convair F-106 Delta Dart is a supersonic,
all-weather interceptor. Originally envisioned
as an advanced derivative of the F-102A Delta
Dagger and given the designation F-102B, the
"Ultimate Interceptor", as it was known,
entailed such extensive changes that in June,
1956, the designation was changed to F-106. It
was designed from the ground up as an
Interceptor and nothing but an interceptor.
Originally designated the F-102B, it was
re-designated the F-106 due to it's extensive
structural changes and the more powerful Pratt &
Whitney J75 engine. The single seat F-106A
first flew on December 26, 1956, was delivered
to and entered operational service with the US
Air Force (USAF) in May 1959 and achieved
initial operational capability in October,
1959. The two-seat F-106B made its maiden
flight on April 9, 1958, achieved initial
operational capability in July 1960, and
retained the full combat capability of the
F-106A. All F-106 production ended in late 1960
with a total of 277 F-106A's and 63 F-106B's
being built at a cost of about $5 million each |
