HOME      Convair F-102 Delta Dagger

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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NOTE: RADIO CONTROL AIRPLANES ARE ON THE BOTTOM HALF OF THE PAGE.
 
Convair F-102 Delta Dagger aircraft were the first operational delta wing aircraft and the first supersonic all weather interceptor. The Convair F-102 Delta Dagger was flown by U.S. president George W. Bush while in the Air National Guard.
 
The origins of the Convair F-102 Delta Dagger and its unique delta wing can be traced back to German experimental aircraft developed during World War II. Convair Aircraft originally produced the experimental aircraft based on a design by Dr. Alexander Lippisch. It was he who designed the tailless gliders that were the basis of the German interceptor rocket aircraft.
 
The Convair F-102 Delta Dagger was the predecessor to the F-106 Mach 2 aircraft. The development of the Convair F-102 Delta Dagger included numerous new technologies. The aircraft was part of a Hughes system that used radar and computer control to guide the interceptor aircraft to its intended target.
 
Initial prototype Convair F-102 Delta Dagger aircraft were unable to reach supersonic speeds in level flight. A number of changes were made to the design, particularly the narrowing of where the wings joined the aircraft, that reduced drag. Changes were made to the wings, the fuselage of the aircraft was made longer, the engine air intakes enlarged, and a more powerful engine added.
 
On December 17, 1954 a Convair F-102 Delta Dagger prototype aircraft achieved supersonic speeds in level flight. On June 11, 1955 a production Convair F-102 Delta Dagger took to the sky. In April of 1956 the Convair F-102 Delta Dagger was deployed with the U.S.A.F. Eventually Convair F-102 Delta Dagger aircraft were deployed to a total of 26 U.S.A.F. squadrons around the world. The air forces of Greece and Turkey also used F-102 aircraft.
 
Due to the fact that the Convair F-102 Delta Dagger had a crew of one, the pilot was kept busy. In addition to flying the aircraft, the new computer guided radar needed management. This was done by a separate control column.
 
After tracking to the intercept aircraft, the pilot had a choice of rockets or missiles which he could launch. Much like today's F-22, the Convair F-102 Delta Dagger carried its guided missiles in a hatch in its belly.
 
Convair F-102 Delta Dagger aircraft flew with the U.S. Air National Guard until April of 1973. A total of 1,000 Convair F-102 Delta Dagger aircraft of all types were produced.
  

Specifications

    Primary Function:
    Crew:
    Engine:
    Thrust:
    Length:
    Wingspan:
    Weight Empty:
    Max. Weight:
    Internal Fuel:
    Drop Tanks:
    Aerial Rockets:
    Missiles:
    Cruise Speed:
    Max. Speed:
    Climb Rate:
    Ceiling:
    Range:
    First Flight:
    Year Deployed:		 interceptor
one
P&W J57
17,200 lbs.
68' 4"
38' 1"
19,350 lbs.
31, 500 lbs.
1,085 gals.
430 gals.
24- 2.75 inch
six
550 mph
825 mph
17,000 fpm
53,400 feet
1,350 miles
10/24/53
1956
 
Radio Control Airplane

RC Airplane from Parkjets.
 
Radio Control Airplanes:
 
 
We haven't seen any Convair F-102 Delta Dagger RC Airplanes. That may be because the F-106 radio control airplane is so similar to the Convair F-102 Delta Dagger that conversion probably be easy..
 
The first picture above is of the F-106 (Convair F-102 Delta Dagger) RC Airplane from Parkjets plans. The radio control airplane is 43" long and has a wing span of 33". Construction of the RC Airplane is all foam. The radio control airplane uses a pusher prop for power.
 
The first picture below is of the electric ducted fan F-106 (Convair F-102 Delta Dagger) RC Airplane scratch built by Don Savage. The radio control airplane has a wing span of 28" and a length of 49.5". A Kyosho AP-29L motor turning a WeMoTec 480 mini fan powers the rc airplane. Don used balsa and light plywood construction in his radio control airplane.
 
The second picture below is of the F-106  (Convair F-102 Delta Dagger) rc airplane from an Usher kit. We don't know if Usher radio control airplanes are still being sold. Wing span of the RC Airplane is 51" and length is 90". To power the radio control airplane you will need a jet turbine engine putting out at least 15 lbs. of thrust or the equivalent ducted fan unit. All up weight of the RC Airplane is from 22 to 24 lbs.
 
The last picture on this page is of a F-106 (Convair F-102 Delta Dagger) radio control airplane from a Zia Models kit. These rc airplane kits were sold in the 1980's. The radio control airplane has a wing span of 33" and a length of 43". Pulling the RC Airplane is a K&B .40 engine.
 
If you have built a Convair F-102 Delta Dagger radio control airplane, or know of any kits, ARF's or plans for a RC Convair F-102 Delta Dagger airplane, we would appreciate hearing from you.
 
 
Radio Control Airplane
RC Airplane built by Donald Savage.
 
Radio Control Airplane

RC Airplane from side.

Radio Control Airplane
RC Airplane from Zia Models.