Convair F-102A
Convair F-102A Delta Dagger
Design of the F-102 began in 1950 to meet an Air Force requirement for a supersonic interceptor. Convair settled on a delta-winged design based on the XF-92A and in consultation with Dr. Alexander Lippisch, who had done a great deal of work on delta wing designs in Germany during World War II. The first YF-102 flew in October 1953 and failed to meet the design requirements, it could not in fact reach supersonic speeds. A massive redesign of the aircraft’s fuselage and wings resulted in the YF-102A which did meet the requirements of the Air Force and production of this version commenced in 1954. The first of 875 Delta Daggers were delivered to the 327th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron in 1956 and served in the Air Force and Air National Guard until 1976.
| Wingspan | 38 ft 1 in. |
Wingspan |
| Length | 68 ft 3 in. |
Length |
| Height | 21 ft 2 in. |
Height |
| Weight | 31,276 lbs (loaded) |
Weight |
| Max. Speed | 780 MPH |
Maximum Speed |
| Service Ceiling | 51,800 ft |
Service Ceiling |
| Range | 1,204 miles |
Range |
| Engines | One Pratt & Whitney J57-P-23A turbojet with 16,000 pounds of thrust |
Engine |
| Crew | 1 |
Crew |
Manufacturer
Convair
Markings
327th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, George AFB, California, 1958
Serial Number
56-1393
Designation
F-102A