| |
|
| F-102 Delta Dagger | ||
|---|---|---|
 (Larger version) | ||
| Description | ||
| Role | ||
| Crew | ||
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | ||
| Wingspan | ||
| Height | ||
| Wing area | ||
| Weights | ||
| Empty | ||
| Loaded | ||
| Maximum take-off | ||
| Powerplant | ||
| Engines | ||
| Power | ||
| Performance | ||
| Maximum speed | ||
| Combat range | ||
| Ferry range | ||
| Service ceiling | ||
| Rate of climb | ||
| Armament | ||
| Guns | ||
| Bombs | ||
The Convair F-102 Delta Dagger fighter aircraft was part of the backbone of the United States air defenses in the late 1950s. Entering service in 1956, its main purpose was to intercept invading Soviet bomber fleets. However the project was troubled and by the early 1960s the plane was being replaced by F-101 Voodoos and F-4 Phantom IIs. Many of the F-102s were transferred to United States Air National Guard duty by the mid- to late-1960s, and the plane left service altogether in 1976.
The plane was developed from the XF-92A delta-wing research aircraft of the late 1940s. The Air Force took a new approach in putting out the request for proposals for an operational interceptor, considering both the aircraft and armament together in what became known as a "weapon system". The RFP for "Project MX-1554" went out 18 June 1950, and in January 1951 six manufacturers responded, of which Convair, Lockheed, and Republic were chosen to proceed with design. But three projects were too expensive, and in November, only Convair was allowed to continue with its Model 8-80, an interim project using the less-powerful Westinghouse J40 turbojet in lieu of the Wright J67 which was still in development.
The YF-102A made its first flight on 24 October 1953, but was lost in an accident nine days later. The second aircraft flew on 11 January 1954, confirming a dismal performance, far below the requirements. The problem was solved by the use of the area-ruled fuselage, and on 19 December the modified plane, Model 8-90, first flew, achieving a speed of Mach 1.22 and an altitude of 53,000 ft (16,155 m).
The first operational service of the F-102A was with the 327th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron at George Air Force Base, in April 1956, and eventually a total of 889 were built. 111 TF-102A two-seat side-by-side trainers were also produced. In 1973 six aircraft were converted to target drones simulating MiG-21s.
The operational Delta Dagger still fell short of its goals, but the planned 'F-102B\' improvements eventually became a new plane, the F-106 Delta Dart.
Variants
