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 Defense Command in 1956. At the peak of deployment in the late 1950's, F-102s equipped more than 25 ADC squadrons. Convair built 1,000 F-102s, 875 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

PERFORMANCE

• Maximum speed: 810 mph.
• Cruising speed: 600 mph.
• Range: 1,000 miles
• Service Ceiling: 55,000 ft.

Thumbnail List

1. Convair F-102 Delta Dagger; final shape.
2. This is the first YF-102 built.
3. Landing with drag chute that was deployed while the aircraft was still airborne.
4. The first F-102A built.
5. 2 aircraft formation.
6. In flight (color) - S/N 53-1782 Convair YF-102A "Hot Rod"2 aircraft formation.
7. In flight with a Soviet "Bear".
8. TF-102A; two-place tactical trainer.

Texas Air National Guard 1st Lt. George W. Bush flew F-102 Delta Dagger Fighter jets from 1970 to 1973 with the the 11th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, Ellington AFB, Texas. --Photo courtesy of Citizens United

10:48 3/30/2004