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Convair F-102A Delta Dagger
The primary mission of the F-102 was to
intercept and destroy enemy aircraft. It was the world's first supersonic
all-weather jet interceptor and the USAF's first operational delta-wing
aircraft. The F-102 made its initial flight on Oct. 24, 1953 and became
operational with the Air Defence Command in 1956. At the peak of
deployment in the late 1950's, F-102s equipped more than 25 ADC squadrons.
Convair built 1,101 F-102s, 975 of which were F-102As. The USAF also
bought 111 TF-102s as combat trainers with side-by-side seating.
In a wartime situation, after electronic
equipment on board the F-102 had located the enemy aircraft, the F-102's
radar would guide it into position for attack. At the proper moment, the
electronic fire control system would automatically fire the F-102's
air-to-air rockets and missiles.
SPECIFICATIONS
Span: 38 ft. 1 in.
Length: 68 ft. 4 in. (including boom)
Height: 21 ft. 2 in.
Weight: 31,559 lbs. max.
Armament: 24 unguided 2.75 inch rockets and six guided missiles
Engine: One Pratt & Whitney J57 of 16,000 lbs. thrust with
afterburner
Cost: $1,184,000
Serial number: 56-1416
PERFORMANCE
Maximum speed: 810 mph.
Cruising speed: 600 mph.
Range: 1,000 miles
Service Ceiling: 55,000 ft.
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