Convair F-102A “Delta Dagger”

Built by Convair (General Dynamics), the F-102 was the first all-weather supersonic jet interceptor. Its supersonic capability is a result of its being the first adapted to use the “area rule” design concept. Note the contoured rear fuselage, which reduces high speed drag. The F-102 was superseded by the more advanced and powerful F-106, which could exceed 1,000 mph. Both aircraft feature delta shaped wings, which eliminate the need for conventional horizontal control surfaces (stabilizer and elevators).

USAF S/N 56-1140 is an F-102A-65-CO, one of 875 F-102As built by Convair in San Diego, California. It was delivered to the USAF on June 4, 1957 and assigned to the 438th Fighter Interceptor Squadron (ADC), Kinrose AFB, Michigan. In March 1958 it went to the 95th Fighter Interceptor Squadron (ADC), Andrews AFB, Maryland, and then in February 1960 to the 509th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, Clark AB, Philippines. Its last assignment was with the 154th Fighter Group (ANG), Hickam AFB, Hawaii beginning in January 1967. It was flown to the museum in a C-5 transport on October 7, 1984.

It is displayed in the colors of the 431st Fighter Interceptor Squadron “Red Devils”, and carries tail number 55-431 in honor of that unit, which was assigned to a test squadron at McClellan AFB for many years.

Specifications

Serial Number: 56-1140
Crew: One
Powerplant: One Pratt & Whitney J57-P-23 with afterburner, 17,000 lbs thrust (75.6 kN)

Dimensions:
• Length: 68 ft 4½ in (20.8 m)
• Height: 21 ft 2½ in (6.46 m)
• Wingspan: 38 ft 1½ in (11.6 m)

Weight:
• Empty: 19,350 lbs (8,865 kg)
• Loaded: 24,500 lbs (11,113 kg)

Performance

Maximum speed: 825 mph (1,328 km/h) — Mach 1.2
Service ceiling: 36,000 ft (16,154 m)

Armament

Six Hughes GAR-1D or -2A Falcon mussels mounted on rails in the fuselage. Provision for twenty-four 2.75 in. rockets in firing channels in missile bay doors. 

THIS AIRCRAFT IS ON LOAN FROM THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE