F-102 Delta Dagger
Encyclopedia
The Convair F-102 Delta Dagger was a US
interceptor aircraft
built as part of the backbone of the United States Air Force
's (USAF) air defenses in the late 1950s. Entering service in 1956, its main purpose was to intercept invading Soviet
bomber
fleets. Designed and manufactured by Convair
, 1,000 F-102s were built.
A member of the Century Series
, the F-102 was the first operational supersonic interceptor and delta-wing
fighter of the USAF. It used an internal weapons bay to carry both guided missiles and rockets. As originally designed, it could not achieve Mach
1 supersonic flight until redesigned with area ruling
. The F-102 replaced subsonic fighter types such as the Northrop F-89 Scorpion, and by the 1960s, it saw limited service in the Vietnam War
in bomber escort
and ground-attack
roles. It was supplemented by McDonnell F-101 Voodoos and, later, by McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom IIs. Many of the F-102s were transferred to United States Air National Guard duty by the mid-to-late 1960s, and the type was retired from operational service in 1976. The follow-on replacement was the Mach-2 Convair F-106 Delta Dart, which was an extensive redesign of the F-102.
(FCS). The FCS would be designed before the airframe to ensure compatibility. The airframe and FCS together are called the weapon system.
In January 1950, the USAF Air Materiel Command
issued request for proposal
s (RFPs) to 50 companies for the FCS, of which 18 responded. By May, the list was revised downward to 10. Meanwhile, a board at the US Department of Defense headed by Major General
Gordon P. Saville
reviewed the proposals, and distributed some to the George E. Valley
-led Air Defense Engineering Committee. Following recommendations by the committee to the Saville Board, the proposals were further reduced to two competitors, Hughes Aircraft
and North American Aviation
. Although the Valley Committee thought it was best to award the contract to both companies, Hughes was chosen by Saville and his team on 2 October 1950.
Proposals for the airframe were issued on 18 June 1950, and in January 1951 six manufacturers responded. On 2 July 1954, three companies, Convair, Republic and Lockheed
won the right build a mock-up. Up until then, Convair had done research into delta-winged aircraft, experimenting with different designs, two of which fall under the name P-92. Of the three, the best design would win the production contract under the name "Project MX-1554". In the end, Convair emerged as the victor with its design, designated "XF-102", after Lockheed dropped out and Republic only built a mock-up. The development of three different designs was too expensive and in November, only Convair was allowed to continue with its Model 8-80. To speed development, it was proposed to equip the prototypes and pre-production aircraft with the less-powerful Westinghouse J40
turbojet. Continued delays to the J67 and MA-1 (formerly "MX-1179") FCS led to the decision to place an interim aircraft with the J40 and a simpler fire control system (dubbed "E-9") into production as the F-102A. The failure of the J40 led to the Pratt & Whitney J57, rated with 10000 pound-forces (44.5 kN) of thrust being substituted for the prototypes and F-102As. This aircraft was intended to be temporary, pending the development of the F-102B, which would employ the more advanced Wright J67, a licensed derivative of the Bristol-Siddeley Olympus
which was still in development. The F-102B would later evolve to become the F-106A, dubbed the "Ultimate Interceptor".
The prototype YF-102 made its first flight on 24 October 1953, but was lost to an accident nine days later. The second aircraft flew on 11 January 1954, confirming a dismal performance. Transonic
drag was much higher than expected, and the aircraft was limited to Mach 0.98 (i.e. subsonic), with a ceiling of 48,000 ft (14,630 m), far below the requirements.
The first revised aircraft, designated YF-102A flew on 20 December 1954, 118 days after the redesign started, exceeding Mach 1 the next day. The revised design demonstrated a speed of Mach 1.22 and a ceiling of 53,000 ft (16,154 m), which was sufficient for the Air Force to allow production of the F-102.
The production F-102A had the Hughes MG-3 fire control system, later upgraded in service to the MG-10. It had a three-segment internal weapons bay under the fuselage for air-to-air missile
s. Initial armament was three pairs of GAR-1/2/3/4
(Later re-designated as AIM-4) Falcon missiles, which included both infrared
and semi-active radar homing
variants. The doors of the two forward bays each had tubes for 12 FFAR
rockets (for a total of 24) with initially 2 in (5.1 cm) being fitted and later 2.75 in (70 mm) replacing them. The F-102 was later upgraded to allow the carriage of up to two GAR-11/AIM-26
Nuclear Falcon missiles in the center bay. The larger size of this weapon required redesigned center bay doors with no rocket tubes. Plans were considered to fit the MB-1 Genie nuclear rocket to the design, but although a Genie was test fired from a YF-102A in May 1956, it was never adopted.
The F-102 received several major modifications during its operational lifetime, with most airframes being retrofitted with infrared search/tracking systems, radar warning receivers, transponders, backup artificial horizons, and improvements to the fire-control system. A proposed close-support version (never built) would have incorporated, in addition, an internal Gatling gun
, an extra two hardpoints for bombs (in addition to the two underwing pylons for drop tanks that were fitted to all production F-102s), bigger internal fuel tanks, and an in-flight-refueling probe.
To train F-102A pilots, the TF-102A trainer was developed, with 111 eventually manufactured. The aircraft was fitted with a side-by-side cockpit to facilitate ease of pilot training. This required a redesign of the cockpit and nose incorporating a set of vortex generators on the top of the cockpit to prevent flow separation under certain circumstances, and repositioning of the intake ducts. Despite the many changes, the aircraft was combat-capable, although this variant was predictably slower, only reaching subsonic speeds in level flight.
The F-102's intended successor was the improved F-102B "Ultimate Interceptor". The design, which had the originally intended J67 engine replaced by a Pratt & Whitney J75 underwent so many aerodynamic changes including a variable-geometry inlet design that it essentially became an entirely new aircraft and hence was redesignated as the F-106. Convair would also use a delta wing in the Mach 2 class B-58 Hustler bomber.
at George Air Force Base
, in April 1956, and eventually a total of 889 F-102As were built, production ending in September 1958. TF-102s and F-102s were used in the 1960s by the ADC (Air Defense Command) at Perrin AFB, Texas to train new F-102 pilots. They also provided platform training on flight characteristics of delta-winged aircraft for pilots who were destined to fly the B-58 bomber.
The F-102's official name, "Delta Dagger" was never used in common parlance, with the aircraft being universally known as the "Deuce." The TF-102 was known as the "Tub" because of its wide fuselage.
During the time the F-102A was in service, several new wing designs were used to experiment with the application of increased conical camber to the wings. Ultimately, a design was selected that actually increased elevon area, reduced takeoff speed, improved the supersonic L/D ratio and increased the aircraft's ceiling to 56,000 ft (17,069 m). A modification was required to the landing gear doors due to the wing redesign.
The USAF Air Defense Command had F-102 Delta Daggers in service in 1960 and the type continued to serve in large numbers with both Air Force and Air National Guard
units well into the 1970s. George W. Bush
, later President of the United States
, flew the F-102 in the 147th Fighter Interceptor Group
based at Ellington AFB in Houston, TX as part of his Texas Air National Guard
service from 1968 to 1972.
Initially, F-102 detachments began to be sent to bases in Southeast Asia in 1962, when radar contacts that were detected by ground radars were thought to possibly be North Vietnamese Il-28 "Beagle"
bombers, which was considered a very credible threat during that time period. F-102s were sent to Thailand and other nearby countries to intercept these aircraft if they threatened South Vietnam at any time.
Later on, B-52 strikes, codenamed ARC LIGHT, were escorted by F-102s based in the theater. It was during one of these missions that an F-102 was shot down by a North Vietnamese MiG-21
using an AA-2 Atoll heat-seeking missile. The MiGs approached undetected, and one of the F-102s was hit by an air to air missile, which did not explode immediately, but remained lodged in the aft end of the aircraft, causing stability problems. As the pilot reported his mechanical problem to his wingman, the wingman observed the damaged Delta Dagger explode in midair, killing the pilot. The other F-102 pilot was able to fire AIM-4 missiles at the fleeing MiG-21s, but no hits were recorded. This was the only air-to-air loss for the F-102 during the Vietnam War.
The F-102 was tried with limited success for several years in the air-to-ground role, although neither the aircraft nor training were designed for the role. The 509th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron's Deuces arrived at Da Nang Air Base
, 4 August 1964 from Clark Air Base
, Philippines. The interceptor was equipped with 24 2.75 in (70 mm) FFARs in the fuselage bay doors. These could be used to good effect against various types of North Vietnamese targets in daylight. At night it was less dangerous to use heat-seeking Falcon missiles in conjunction with the F-102's nose-mounted IRST (Infrared Search & Track) on nighttime harassment raids along the Ho Chi Minh trail.
Operations with both the F-102A and TF-102A two-seater (which was used in a Forward Air Control role because its two seats and 2.75 in/70 mm rockets offered good versatility for the mission) in Vietnam until 1968 when all F-102 aircraft were sent back to the United States.
s as QF-102A and later PQM-102 series, simulating MiG-21s, under project Pave Deuce. This began a program where hundreds of F-102s were converted for use as target drones for F-4 and F-106 aircraft as well as later F-15 aircraft and testing of the US Army's Patriot missile system. Some F-102As were configured to accommodate a single AIM-26 Super Falcon in each side bay in lieu of the two conventional AIM-4 Falcons.
The F-102 and TF-102 were exported overseas to both Turkey
and Greece
. The Turkish F-102s saw combat missions during the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus
. There have been claims of air combat between Greek F-5s and Turkish F-102s above the Aegean Sea
during the Turkish invasion. A Greek internet website editor, Demetrius Stergiou, claims that the Greek F-5s had shot down two Turkish F-102s, while the Turkish side has claimed that their F-102s had shot down two Greek F-5s; however, both Greece and Turkey have officially denied any losses. Three days after the Turkish invasion began, the Greek military junta in Athens
collapsed on 23 July 1974. The F-102 was finally retired from both of those air forces in 1979.
The F-102 left US service in 1976, while the last PQM-102 drone was expended in 1986. No F-102s remain in flyable condition today although many can be seen at museums.
YF-102A
F-102A
TF-102A:
F-102B
F-102C
QF-102A:Target drones converted from the F-102A. Six built.
PQM-102A: Unpiloted target drones. 65 converted.
PQM-102B: Revised target drone conversion, capable of being flown remotely or by pilot in cockpit. 146 converted.
Greece
Hellenic Air Force
In 1969, Greece acquired 24 of these aircraft for use by the 114 Pterix (Wing) at Tanagra. 19 of them were single-seat F-102As, five were two-seat F-102Bs. They served with the Greek air force until 1978, when the F-102s were replaced by Mirage F1CG fighters.
Turkish Air Force
Beginning in 1968, approximately 50 F-102As and TF-102As were transferred to Turkey from USAF stocks. Before transfer to Turkey, they were overhauled by CASA in Seville. They were initially assigned to the 191st Filo (Squadron) based at Murted, replacing the F-84F Thunderstreaks previously assigned to this unit. This unit was redesignated 142nd Filo in early 1973. In 1971, F-102s were also assigned to the 182nd Filo based at Diyarbakir, replacing the F-84Fs previously being flown by this unit. F-102s remained in service with these two squadrons until mid-1979, when they were replaced by the F-104G in the 142nd Filo and by the F-100C in the 182nd Filo.
United States Air Force
s or locations with an F-102 Delta Dagger on display:
Canada
Greece
Netherlands
Turkish Air Force
United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
interceptor aircraft
Interceptor aircraft
An interceptor aircraft is a type of fighter aircraft designed specifically to prevent missions of enemy aircraft, particularly bombers and reconnaissance aircraft. Interceptors generally rely on high speed and powerful armament in order to complete their mission as quickly as possible and set up...
built as part of the backbone of the United States Air Force
United States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
's (USAF) air defenses in the late 1950s. Entering service in 1956, its main purpose was to intercept invading Soviet
Soviet Union
The Soviet Union , officially the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics , was a constitutionally socialist state that existed in Eurasia between 1922 and 1991....
bomber
Bomber
A bomber is a military aircraft designed to attack ground and sea targets, by dropping bombs on them, or – in recent years – by launching cruise missiles at them.-Classifications of bombers:...
fleets. Designed and manufactured by Convair
Convair
Convair was an American aircraft manufacturing company which later expanded into rockets and spacecraft. The company was formed in 1943 by the merger of Vultee Aircraft and Consolidated Aircraft, and went on to produce a number of pioneering aircraft, such as the Convair B-36 bomber, and the F-102...
, 1,000 F-102s were built.
A member of the Century Series
Century series
The Century Series is a popular name for a group of US fighter aircraft representing models designated between F-100 and F-106 which went into full production...
, the F-102 was the first operational supersonic interceptor and delta-wing
Delta wing
The delta wing is a wing planform in the form of a triangle. It is named for its similarity in shape to the Greek uppercase letter delta .-Delta-shaped stabilizers:...
fighter of the USAF. It used an internal weapons bay to carry both guided missiles and rockets. As originally designed, it could not achieve Mach
Mach number
Mach number is the speed of an object moving through air, or any other fluid substance, divided by the speed of sound as it is in that substance for its particular physical conditions, including those of temperature and pressure...
1 supersonic flight until redesigned with area ruling
Area rule
The Whitcomb area rule, also called the transonic area rule, is a design technique used to reduce an aircraft's drag at transonic and supersonic speeds, particularly between Mach 0.75 and 1.2....
. The F-102 replaced subsonic fighter types such as the Northrop F-89 Scorpion, and by the 1960s, it saw limited service in the Vietnam War
Vietnam War
The Vietnam War was a Cold War-era military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. This war followed the First Indochina War and was fought between North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of...
in bomber escort
Escort fighter
The escort fighter was a World War II concept for a fighter aircraft designed to escort bombers to and from their targets.The perfect escort fighter had long range, a lengthy combat loiter time to protect the bombers, and enough internal fuel to return home...
and ground-attack
Close air support
In military tactics, close air support is defined as air action by fixed or rotary winged aircraft against hostile targets that are close to friendly forces, and which requires detailed integration of each air mission with fire and movement of these forces.The determining factor for CAS is...
roles. It was supplemented by McDonnell F-101 Voodoos and, later, by McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom IIs. Many of the F-102s were transferred to United States Air National Guard duty by the mid-to-late 1960s, and the type was retired from operational service in 1976. The follow-on replacement was the Mach-2 Convair F-106 Delta Dart, which was an extensive redesign of the F-102.
Initial designs and problems
On 8 October 1948, the board of senior officers of the U.S. Air Force (USAF) made recommendations that the service organize a competition for a new interceptor scheduled to enter service in 1954; as such, the all-new design would initially be dubbed the "1954 Interceptor". Four months later, on 4 February 1949, the USAF approved the recommendation and prepared to hold the competition the following year. In November 1949, the Air Force decided that the new aircraft would be built around a fire-control systemFire-control system
A fire-control system is a number of components working together, usually a gun data computer, a director, and radar, which is designed to assist a weapon system in hitting its target. It performs the same task as a human gunner firing a weapon, but attempts to do so faster and more...
(FCS). The FCS would be designed before the airframe to ensure compatibility. The airframe and FCS together are called the weapon system.
Air Force Logistics Command
Air Force Logistics Command was a United States Air Force command. Its headquarters was located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio...
issued request for proposal
Request for Proposal
A request for proposal is issued at an early stage in a procurement process, where an invitation is presented for suppliers, often through a bidding process, to submit a proposal on a specific commodity or service. The RFP process brings structure to the procurement decision and is meant to...
s (RFPs) to 50 companies for the FCS, of which 18 responded. By May, the list was revised downward to 10. Meanwhile, a board at the US Department of Defense headed by Major General
Major General
Major general or major-general is a military rank used in many countries. It is derived from the older rank of sergeant major general. A major general is a high-ranking officer, normally subordinate to the rank of lieutenant general and senior to the ranks of brigadier and brigadier general...
Gordon P. Saville
Gordon P. Saville
Gordon Philip Saville was a United States Air Force major general who was an outspoken proponent of tactical aviation amidst a brotherhood of airmen who promoted strategic bombing. With Benjamin S. Kelsey, Saville co-wrote the technical specifications which led to the P-38 Lightning and the P-39...
reviewed the proposals, and distributed some to the George E. Valley
Chief Scientist of the U.S. Air Force
The Chief Scientist of the United States Air Force is a three-star equivalent civilian member of Headquarters Air Force and in this role is the most senior Science & Technology representative in the U.S. Air Force. The current Chief Scientist of the United States Air Force is Dr. Mark T...
-led Air Defense Engineering Committee. Following recommendations by the committee to the Saville Board, the proposals were further reduced to two competitors, Hughes Aircraft
Hughes Aircraft
Hughes Aircraft Company was a major American aerospace and defense contractor founded in 1932 by Howard Hughes in Culver City, California as a division of Hughes Tool Company...
and North American Aviation
North American Aviation
North American Aviation was a major US aerospace manufacturer, responsible for a number of historic aircraft, including the T-6 Texan trainer, the P-51 Mustang fighter, the B-25 Mitchell bomber, the F-86 Sabre jet fighter, the X-15 rocket plane, and the XB-70, as well as Apollo Command and Service...
. Although the Valley Committee thought it was best to award the contract to both companies, Hughes was chosen by Saville and his team on 2 October 1950.
Proposals for the airframe were issued on 18 June 1950, and in January 1951 six manufacturers responded. On 2 July 1954, three companies, Convair, Republic and Lockheed
Lockheed Corporation
The Lockheed Corporation was an American aerospace company. Lockheed was founded in 1912 and later merged with Martin Marietta to form Lockheed Martin in 1995.-Origins:...
won the right build a mock-up. Up until then, Convair had done research into delta-winged aircraft, experimenting with different designs, two of which fall under the name P-92. Of the three, the best design would win the production contract under the name "Project MX-1554". In the end, Convair emerged as the victor with its design, designated "XF-102", after Lockheed dropped out and Republic only built a mock-up. The development of three different designs was too expensive and in November, only Convair was allowed to continue with its Model 8-80. To speed development, it was proposed to equip the prototypes and pre-production aircraft with the less-powerful Westinghouse J40
Westinghouse J40
|-References:...
turbojet. Continued delays to the J67 and MA-1 (formerly "MX-1179") FCS led to the decision to place an interim aircraft with the J40 and a simpler fire control system (dubbed "E-9") into production as the F-102A. The failure of the J40 led to the Pratt & Whitney J57, rated with 10000 pound-forces (44.5 kN) of thrust being substituted for the prototypes and F-102As. This aircraft was intended to be temporary, pending the development of the F-102B, which would employ the more advanced Wright J67, a licensed derivative of the Bristol-Siddeley Olympus
Rolls-Royce Olympus
The Rolls-Royce Olympus was one of the world's first two-spool axial-flow turbojet aircraft engines, originally developed and produced by Bristol Aero Engines. First running in 1950, its initial use was as the powerplant of the Avro Vulcan V Bomber...
which was still in development. The F-102B would later evolve to become the F-106A, dubbed the "Ultimate Interceptor".
The prototype YF-102 made its first flight on 24 October 1953, but was lost to an accident nine days later. The second aircraft flew on 11 January 1954, confirming a dismal performance. Transonic
Transonic
Transonic speed is an aeronautics term referring to the condition of flight in which a range of velocities of airflow exist surrounding and flowing past an air vehicle or an airfoil that are concurrently below, at, and above the speed of sound in the range of Mach 0.8 to 1.2, i.e. 600–900 mph...
drag was much higher than expected, and the aircraft was limited to Mach 0.98 (i.e. subsonic), with a ceiling of 48,000 ft (14,630 m), far below the requirements.
Major redesign
To solve the problem and save the F-102, Convair embarked on a major redesign, incorporating the recently discovered area rule, while at the same time simplifying production and maintenance. The redesign entailed lengthening the fuselage by 11 ft (3.35 m) and "pinched" at the mid section (dubbed the "Coke Bottle configuration"), with two large fairings on either side of the engine nozzle, with revised intakes and a new, narrower canopy. A more powerful model of J57 was fitted, and the aircraft structure was lightened.The first revised aircraft, designated YF-102A flew on 20 December 1954, 118 days after the redesign started, exceeding Mach 1 the next day. The revised design demonstrated a speed of Mach 1.22 and a ceiling of 53,000 ft (16,154 m), which was sufficient for the Air Force to allow production of the F-102.
The production F-102A had the Hughes MG-3 fire control system, later upgraded in service to the MG-10. It had a three-segment internal weapons bay under the fuselage for air-to-air missile
Air-to-air missile
An air-to-air missile is a missile fired from an aircraft for the purpose of destroying another aircraft. AAMs are typically powered by one or more rocket motors, usually solid fuelled but sometimes liquid fuelled...
s. Initial armament was three pairs of GAR-1/2/3/4
AIM-4 Falcon
The Hughes AIM-4 Falcon was the first operational guided air-to-air missile of the United States Air Force.-Development:Development of a guided air-to-air missile began in 1946. Hughes Aircraft was awarded a contract for a subsonic missile under the project designation MX-798, which soon gave way...
(Later re-designated as AIM-4) Falcon missiles, which included both infrared
Infrared
Infrared light is electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength longer than that of visible light, measured from the nominal edge of visible red light at 0.74 micrometres , and extending conventionally to 300 µm...
and semi-active radar homing
Semi-active radar homing
Semi-active radar homing, or SARH, is a common type of missile guidance system, perhaps the most common type for longer-range air-to-air and surface-to-air missile systems. The name refers to the fact that the missile itself is only a passive detector of a radar signal – provided by an external ...
variants. The doors of the two forward bays each had tubes for 12 FFAR
FFAR
FFAR may refer to:* 3.5-Inch Forward Firing Aircraft Rocket* 5-Inch Forward Firing Aircraft Rocket* Mk 4/Mk 40 Folding-Fin Aerial Rocket* Free fatty acid receptor...
rockets (for a total of 24) with initially 2 in (5.1 cm) being fitted and later 2.75 in (70 mm) replacing them. The F-102 was later upgraded to allow the carriage of up to two GAR-11/AIM-26
AIM-26 Falcon
The AIM-26 Falcon was a larger, more powerful version of the AIM-4 Falcon air-to-air missile built by Hughes. It is the only guided U.S. air-to-air weapon with a nuclear warhead, though the unguided AIR-2 Genie was also nuclear-armed.-Development:...
Nuclear Falcon missiles in the center bay. The larger size of this weapon required redesigned center bay doors with no rocket tubes. Plans were considered to fit the MB-1 Genie nuclear rocket to the design, but although a Genie was test fired from a YF-102A in May 1956, it was never adopted.
The F-102 received several major modifications during its operational lifetime, with most airframes being retrofitted with infrared search/tracking systems, radar warning receivers, transponders, backup artificial horizons, and improvements to the fire-control system. A proposed close-support version (never built) would have incorporated, in addition, an internal Gatling gun
Gatling gun
The Gatling gun is one of the best known early rapid-fire weapons and a forerunner of the modern machine gun. It is well known for its use by the Union forces during the American Civil War in the 1860s, which was the first time it was employed in combat...
, an extra two hardpoints for bombs (in addition to the two underwing pylons for drop tanks that were fitted to all production F-102s), bigger internal fuel tanks, and an in-flight-refueling probe.
To train F-102A pilots, the TF-102A trainer was developed, with 111 eventually manufactured. The aircraft was fitted with a side-by-side cockpit to facilitate ease of pilot training. This required a redesign of the cockpit and nose incorporating a set of vortex generators on the top of the cockpit to prevent flow separation under certain circumstances, and repositioning of the intake ducts. Despite the many changes, the aircraft was combat-capable, although this variant was predictably slower, only reaching subsonic speeds in level flight.
The F-102's intended successor was the improved F-102B "Ultimate Interceptor". The design, which had the originally intended J67 engine replaced by a Pratt & Whitney J75 underwent so many aerodynamic changes including a variable-geometry inlet design that it essentially became an entirely new aircraft and hence was redesignated as the F-106. Convair would also use a delta wing in the Mach 2 class B-58 Hustler bomber.
Operational history
The first operational service of the F-102A was with the 327th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron327th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron
The 327th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron is an inactive United States Air Force unit. Its last assignment was with the 64th Air Division stationed at Thule AB, Greenland. It was inactivated on March 25, 1960-History:...
at George Air Force Base
George Air Force Base
George Air Force Base is a former United States Air Force base located within city limits, 8 miles northwest of central Victorville, California, about 75 miles northeast of Los Angeles, California. The facility was closed by the Base Realignment and Closure 1992 commission at the end of the Cold...
, in April 1956, and eventually a total of 889 F-102As were built, production ending in September 1958. TF-102s and F-102s were used in the 1960s by the ADC (Air Defense Command) at Perrin AFB, Texas to train new F-102 pilots. They also provided platform training on flight characteristics of delta-winged aircraft for pilots who were destined to fly the B-58 bomber.
The F-102's official name, "Delta Dagger" was never used in common parlance, with the aircraft being universally known as the "Deuce." The TF-102 was known as the "Tub" because of its wide fuselage.
During the time the F-102A was in service, several new wing designs were used to experiment with the application of increased conical camber to the wings. Ultimately, a design was selected that actually increased elevon area, reduced takeoff speed, improved the supersonic L/D ratio and increased the aircraft's ceiling to 56,000 ft (17,069 m). A modification was required to the landing gear doors due to the wing redesign.
The USAF Air Defense Command had F-102 Delta Daggers in service in 1960 and the type continued to serve in large numbers with both Air Force and Air National Guard
Air National Guard
The Air National Guard , often referred to as the Air Guard, is the air force militia organized by each of the fifty U.S. states, the commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the territories of Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia of the United States. Established under Title 10 and...
units well into the 1970s. George W. Bush
George W. Bush
George Walker Bush is an American politician who served as the 43rd President of the United States, from 2001 to 2009. Before that, he was the 46th Governor of Texas, having served from 1995 to 2000....
, later President of the United States
President of the United States
The President of the United States of America is the head of state and head of government of the United States. The president leads the executive branch of the federal government and is the commander-in-chief of the United States Armed Forces....
, flew the F-102 in the 147th Fighter Interceptor Group
147th Reconnaissance Wing
The United States Air Force's 147th Reconnaissance Wing is a Texas Air National Guard reconnaissance unit located at Ellington Field, Houston, Texas.-History:The 147th Fighter Interceptor Group was activated in May 1958 by the Texas Air National Guard...
based at Ellington AFB in Houston, TX as part of his Texas Air National Guard
Texas Air National Guard
The Texas Air National Guard is the air force militia of the U.S. state of Texas and a component of the Texas Military Forces...
service from 1968 to 1972.
Vietnam service
The F-102 served in Vietnam, flying fighter patrols and serving as bomber escorts. A total of 15 aircraft were lost in Vietnam: one to air-to-air combat, several to ground fire and the remainder to accidents.Initially, F-102 detachments began to be sent to bases in Southeast Asia in 1962, when radar contacts that were detected by ground radars were thought to possibly be North Vietnamese Il-28 "Beagle"
Ilyushin Il-28
The Ilyushin Il-28 is a jet bomber aircraft of the immediate postwar period that was originally manufactured for the Soviet Air Force. It was the USSR's first such aircraft to enter large-scale production. It was also licence-built in China as the Harbin H-5. Total production in the USSR was 6,316...
bombers, which was considered a very credible threat during that time period. F-102s were sent to Thailand and other nearby countries to intercept these aircraft if they threatened South Vietnam at any time.
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21
The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 is a supersonic jet fighter aircraft, designed by the Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau in the Soviet Union. It was popularly nicknamed "balalaika", from the aircraft's planform-view resemblance to the Russian stringed musical instrument or ołówek by Polish pilots due to...
using an AA-2 Atoll heat-seeking missile. The MiGs approached undetected, and one of the F-102s was hit by an air to air missile, which did not explode immediately, but remained lodged in the aft end of the aircraft, causing stability problems. As the pilot reported his mechanical problem to his wingman, the wingman observed the damaged Delta Dagger explode in midair, killing the pilot. The other F-102 pilot was able to fire AIM-4 missiles at the fleeing MiG-21s, but no hits were recorded. This was the only air-to-air loss for the F-102 during the Vietnam War.
The F-102 was tried with limited success for several years in the air-to-ground role, although neither the aircraft nor training were designed for the role. The 509th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron's Deuces arrived at Da Nang Air Base
Da Nang Air Base
Da Nang Air Base was a Republic of Vietnam Air Force facility. The United States used it as a major base during the Vietnam War , stationing Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine units there...
, 4 August 1964 from Clark Air Base
Clark Air Base
Clark Air Base is a former United States Air Force base on Luzon Island in the Philippines, located 3 miles west of Angeles City, about 40 miles northwest of Metro Manila. Clark Air Base was an American military facility from 1903 to 1991...
, Philippines. The interceptor was equipped with 24 2.75 in (70 mm) FFARs in the fuselage bay doors. These could be used to good effect against various types of North Vietnamese targets in daylight. At night it was less dangerous to use heat-seeking Falcon missiles in conjunction with the F-102's nose-mounted IRST (Infrared Search & Track) on nighttime harassment raids along the Ho Chi Minh trail.
Operations with both the F-102A and TF-102A two-seater (which was used in a Forward Air Control role because its two seats and 2.75 in/70 mm rockets offered good versatility for the mission) in Vietnam until 1968 when all F-102 aircraft were sent back to the United States.
Later use
In 1973, six aircraft were converted to target droneUnmanned aerial vehicle
An unmanned aerial vehicle , also known as a unmanned aircraft system , remotely piloted aircraft or unmanned aircraft, is a machine which functions either by the remote control of a navigator or pilot or autonomously, that is, as a self-directing entity...
s as QF-102A and later PQM-102 series, simulating MiG-21s, under project Pave Deuce. This began a program where hundreds of F-102s were converted for use as target drones for F-4 and F-106 aircraft as well as later F-15 aircraft and testing of the US Army's Patriot missile system. Some F-102As were configured to accommodate a single AIM-26 Super Falcon in each side bay in lieu of the two conventional AIM-4 Falcons.
The F-102 and TF-102 were exported overseas to both Turkey
Turkey
Turkey , known officially as the Republic of Turkey , is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe...
and Greece
Greece
Greece , officially the Hellenic Republic , and historically Hellas or the Republic of Greece in English, is a country in southeastern Europe....
. The Turkish F-102s saw combat missions during the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus
Turkish invasion of Cyprus
The Turkish invasion of Cyprus, launched on 20 July 1974, was a Turkish military invasion in response to a Greek military junta backed coup in Cyprus...
. There have been claims of air combat between Greek F-5s and Turkish F-102s above the Aegean Sea
Aegean Sea
The Aegean Sea[p] is an elongated embayment of the Mediterranean Sea located between the southern Balkan and Anatolian peninsulas, i.e., between the mainlands of Greece and Turkey. In the north, it is connected to the Marmara Sea and Black Sea by the Dardanelles and Bosporus...
during the Turkish invasion. A Greek internet website editor, Demetrius Stergiou, claims that the Greek F-5s had shot down two Turkish F-102s, while the Turkish side has claimed that their F-102s had shot down two Greek F-5s; however, both Greece and Turkey have officially denied any losses. Three days after the Turkish invasion began, the Greek military junta in Athens
Athens
Athens , is the capital and largest city of Greece. Athens dominates the Attica region and is one of the world's oldest cities, as its recorded history spans around 3,400 years. Classical Athens was a powerful city-state...
collapsed on 23 July 1974. The F-102 was finally retired from both of those air forces in 1979.
The F-102 left US service in 1976, while the last PQM-102 drone was expended in 1986. No F-102s remain in flyable condition today although many can be seen at museums.
Variants
YF-102- Prototypes. Non area-ruled fuselage. Powered by 14,500 lbf (64.5 kN) J57-P-11, two built.
YF-102A
- Area-ruled prototypes. Powered by 16,000 lbf (71.2 kN) J57-P-23. Four converted from pre-production aircraft.
F-102A
- Production Model. Initial eight pre-production aircraft built with non-area ruled fuselage. Remainder built (879) with area ruled fuselage.
TF-102A:
- Two-seat training version, 111 built.
F-102B
- The original designation of the F-106A.
F-102C
- Proposed tactical attack version with J57-P-47 engine. Two converted As as YF-102C engineering test beds.
QF-102A:Target drones converted from the F-102A. Six built.
PQM-102A: Unpiloted target drones. 65 converted.
PQM-102B: Revised target drone conversion, capable of being flown remotely or by pilot in cockpit. 146 converted.
Operators
GreeceHellenic Air Force
Hellenic Air Force
The Hellenic Air Force, abbreviated to HAF is the air force of Greece. The mission of the Hellenic Air Force is to guard and protect Greek airspace, provide air assistance and support to the Hellenic Army and the Hellenic Navy, as well as the provision of humanitarian aid in Greece and around the...
In 1969, Greece acquired 24 of these aircraft for use by the 114 Pterix (Wing) at Tanagra. 19 of them were single-seat F-102As, five were two-seat F-102Bs. They served with the Greek air force until 1978, when the F-102s were replaced by Mirage F1CG fighters.
Turkish Air Force
Turkish Air Force
The Turkish Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the Turkish Armed Forces. It ranks 3rd in NATO in terms of fleet size behind the USAF and Royal Air Force with a current inventory of 798 aircraft .-Initial stages:...
Beginning in 1968, approximately 50 F-102As and TF-102As were transferred to Turkey from USAF stocks. Before transfer to Turkey, they were overhauled by CASA in Seville. They were initially assigned to the 191st Filo (Squadron) based at Murted, replacing the F-84F Thunderstreaks previously assigned to this unit. This unit was redesignated 142nd Filo in early 1973. In 1971, F-102s were also assigned to the 182nd Filo based at Diyarbakir, replacing the F-84Fs previously being flown by this unit. F-102s remained in service with these two squadrons until mid-1979, when they were replaced by the F-104G in the 142nd Filo and by the F-100C in the 182nd Filo.
United States Air Force
United States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
- Air Defense Command
- 2nd Fighter-Interceptor Squadron - Suffolk AFBFrancis S. Gabreski Air National Guard BaseFrancis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base is a former military airport located in Westhampton, north of the central business district of Westhampton Beach, in Suffolk County, Long Island, New York, United States...
(1956-1959) - 5th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron - Suffolk AFB (1956–1960)
- 11th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron11th Fighter-Interceptor SquadronThe 11th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron is an inactive United States Air Force unit. Its last assignment was with the 343d Fighter Group, stationed at Duluth Airport, Minnesota...
- Duluth AFBDuluth Air National Guard BaseDuluth Air National Guard Base is a United States Air National Guard base located on the grounds of Duluth International Airport. It is home to the 148th Fighter Wing.-History:...
(1956–1960) - 18th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron - Wurtsmith AFB (1957–1960)
- 27th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron - Griffiss AFB (1957–1959)
- 31st Fighter-Interceptor Squadron31st Fighter-Interceptor SquadronThe 31st Tactical Reconnaissance Training Squadron is an inactive United States Air Force unit. Its last assignment was with 363d Tactical Reconnaissance Wing stationed at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina...
- Wurtsmith AFB (1956–1957) Transferred to Alaska Air Command - 37th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron - Ethan Allen AFB (1957–1960)
- 47th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron - Niagra Falls AFBNiagara Falls Air Reserve StationNiagara Falls Air Reserve Station is a United States Air Force base, located at Niagara Falls International Airport, New York. It is located east-northeast of Niagara Falls, New York.-Overview:...
(1958–1960) - 48th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron - Langley AFB (1957–1960)
- 57th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron57th Fighter-Interceptor SquadronThe 57th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, also known as "The Black Knights of Keflavik", is an inactive United States Air Force unit. The 57 FIS was last stationed at Naval Air Station Keflavik, Iceland. It was inactivated on 1 March, 1995.-World War II:...
- Keflavik AB (1962–1973) - 59th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron - Goose Bay AFBCFB Goose BayCanadian Forces Base Goose Bay , is a Canadian Forces Base located in the town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador....
(1960–1966) - 61st Fighter-Interceptor Squadron - Truax Field (1957–1960)
- 64th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron - McChord AFB (1957-1960), Paine FieldPaine Air National Guard BasePaine Air Force Base is a closed United States Air Force base, approximately 6 miles southwest of Everett, Washington. It was active during World War II as a IV Fighter Command air defense field for the Seattle, Washington area and during the Cold War as an Air Defense Command interceptor base...
(1960–1966) - 71st Fighter-Interceptor Squadron - Selfridge AFB (1958–1960)
- 76th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron - Westover AFB (1961–1963)
- 82d Fighter-Interceptor Squadron - Travis AFB (1957–1966)
- 86th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron86th Fighter-Interceptor SquadronThe 86th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron is an inactive United States Air Force unit. Its last assignment was with the 79th Fighter Group, stationed at Youngstown Air Force Base, Ohio...
- Youngstown AFB (1957–1960) - 87th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron - Lockbourne AFB (1958–1960)
- 95th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron - Andrews AFB (1958–1959)
- 317th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron - McChord AFB (1957–1958)
- 318th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron - McChord AFB (1957–1960)
- 323d Fighter-Interceptor Squadron323d Fighter-Interceptor SquadronThe 323d Fighter-Interceptor Squadron is an inactive United States Air Force unit. Its last assignment was with Air Defense Command stationed at Ernest Harmon Air Force Base, Newfoundland. It was inactivated on July 1, 1960-History:...
- Truax Field (1956–1957), Harmon AFB (1957–1960) - 325th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron325th Fighter-Interceptor SquadronThe 325th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron is an inactive United States Air Force unit, last assigned to the Air Defense Command, being stationed at Truax Field, Wisconsin. The squadron was inactivated on June 25, 1966.-History:...
- Truax Field (1957–1966) - 326th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron326th Fighter-Interceptor SquadronThe 326th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron is an inactive United States Air Force unit. Its last assignment was with the 328th Fighter Wing stationed at Richards-Gebaur AFB, Missouri. It was inactivated on 2 January 1967.-History:...
- Richard-Gebauer AFBRichards-Gebaur Air Force BaseRichards-Gebaur Air Force Base is a closed United States Air Force base. It is located south of Kansas City, Missouri. It was closed in 1994....
(1957–1967) - 327th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron327th Fighter-Interceptor SquadronThe 327th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron is an inactive United States Air Force unit. Its last assignment was with the 64th Air Division stationed at Thule AB, Greenland. It was inactivated on March 25, 1960-History:...
- George AFB (1956–1958), Thule AB (1958–1960) - 329th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron329th Fighter-Interceptor SquadronThe 329th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron is an inactive United States Air Force unit. Its last assignment was with the Air Defense Command Los Angeles Air Defense Sector stationed at George AFB, California...
- George AFB (1958–1960) - 331st Fighter-Interceptor Squadron331st Fighter-Interceptor SquadronThe 331st Fighter-Interceptor Squadron is an inactive United States Air Force unit. Its last assignment was with Air Defense Command stationed at Webb Air Force Base, Texas. It was inactivated on March 1, 1967-History:...
- Webb AFB (1960–1963) - 332nd Fighter-Interceptor Squadron - McGuire AFB (1957–1959), England AFB (1959–1960),Thule AB (1960–1965)
- 438th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron438th Fighter-Interceptor SquadronThe 438th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron is an inactive United States Air Force unit. Its last assignment was with 507th Fighter Wing, stationed at Kincheloe AFB, Michigan. It was inactivated on 30 September 1968.-History:...
- Kincheloe AFB (1957–1960) - 456th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron456th Fighter-Interceptor SquadronThe 456th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron is an inactive United States Air Force unit. Its last assignment was with the Air Defense Command San Francisco Air Defense Sector stationed at Oxnard AFB, California. It was inactivated on July 18, 1968.-History:...
- Castle AFB (1958–1960) - 460th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron - Portland AFBPortland Air National Guard BasePortland Air National Guard Base is a United States Air Force base, located at Portland International Airport, Oregon. It is located northeast of Portland, Oregon.-Overview:The base is the home of the 142d Fighter Wing, Oregon Air National Guard...
(1958–1966) - 482nd Fighter-Interceptor Squadron - Seymour Johnson AFB (1956–1965)
- 498th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron498th Fighter-Interceptor SquadronThe 498th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron is an inactive United States Air Force unit. Its last assignment was with Air Defense Command stationed at Hamilton Air Force Base, California...
- Geiger Field (1957–1959)
- 2nd Fighter-Interceptor Squadron - Suffolk AFB
- Alaskan Air CommandAlaskan Air CommandAlaskan Air Command is an inactive United States Air Force Major Command. Established in 1945 under the United States Army Air Forces, its mission was to organize and administer the air defense system of Alaska, exercise direct control of all active measures, and coordinate all passive means of...
- 317th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron - Elmendorf AFB (1958–1970)
- 31st Fighter-Interceptor Squadron31st Fighter-Interceptor SquadronThe 31st Tactical Reconnaissance Training Squadron is an inactive United States Air Force unit. Its last assignment was with 363d Tactical Reconnaissance Wing stationed at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina...
- Elmendorf AFB (1957–1958)
- United States Air Forces in EuropeUnited States Air Forces in EuropeThe United States Air Forces in Europe is the United States Air Force component of U.S. European Command, a Department of Defense unified command, and is one of two Air Force Major Commands outside of the continental United States, the other being the Pacific Air Forces...
- 32d Fighter-Interceptor Squadron - Soesterberg AB (1960–1969)
- 431st Fighter-Interceptor Squadron - Zaragosa AB (1960–1964)
- 496th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron - Hahn AB (1960–1970)
- 497th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron - Torrejon AB (1960–1963)
- 525th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron - Bitburg AB (1959–1969)
- 526th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron - Ramstein AB (1960–1970)
- Pacific Air Forces
- 4th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron - Misawa AB (1957–1965)
- 16th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron16th Fighter-Interceptor SquadronThe 16th Weapons Squadron is a United States Air Force unit. It is assigned to the USAF Weapons School, based at Nellis AFB, Nevada.The 16th began as the 16th Pursuit Squadron on 20 November 1940. During World War II, the 16th Pursuit Squadron flew missions in New Guinea, India, and China in the...
- Naha AB (1959–1965) - 40th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron - Yokota AB (1957–1965)
- 64th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron - Clark AB (1966–1969)
- 68th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron - Itazuke AB (1957–1965)
- 82d Fighter-Interceptor Squadron - Naha AB (1966–1971)
- 509th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron - Clark AB (1959–1970)
- Air National GuardAir National GuardThe Air National Guard , often referred to as the Air Guard, is the air force militia organized by each of the fifty U.S. states, the commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the territories of Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia of the United States. Established under Title 10 and...
- 102d Fighter-Interceptor Squadron102d Rescue SquadronThe 102d Rescue Squadron is a unit of the New York Air National Guard and the oldest Air National Guard unit in the United States. It has flown a number of aircraft including balloons, biplanes, and helicopters, though it currently flies the HH-60G Pavehawk and HC-130 Hercules for its missions...
, NY ANGNew York Air National GuardThe New York Air National Guard is the air force militia of the U.S. state of New York. It is, along with the New York Army National Guard, an element of the New York National Guard. It is considered a part of the United States Air Force, as well as its state mission...
- Suffolk ANGBFrancis S. Gabreski Air National Guard BaseFrancis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base is a former military airport located in Westhampton, north of the central business district of Westhampton Beach, in Suffolk County, Long Island, New York, United States...
(1972–1975) - 111th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, TX ANGTexas Air National GuardThe Texas Air National Guard is the air force militia of the U.S. state of Texas and a component of the Texas Military Forces...
- Ellington FieldEllington Field Joint Reserve BaseEllington Field Joint Reserve Base is the home base of the Texas Air National Guard 147th Reconnaissance Wing.-Overview:The United States Air Force 147th Reconnaissance Wing provides two 24/7 MQ-1B Predator Unmanned Aerial Systems combat support sorties which provide theater and national-level...
(1960–1975) - 116th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron116th Air Refueling SquadronThe 116th Air Refueling Squadron flies the KC-135 Stratotanker. It is a unit of the Washington Air National Guard. Its parent unit is the 141st Air Refueling Wing.-Federal mission:...
, WA ANGWashington Air National GuardThe Washington Air National Guard is the air force militia of the U.S. state of Washington. It is, along with the Washington Army National Guard, an element of the Washington National Guard...
- Geiger Field (1965–1969) - 118th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron118th Airlift SquadronThe 118th Airlift Squadron flies the C-21A Learjet. It is a unit of the Connecticut Air National Guard. Its parent unit is the 103rd Airlift Wing.-History:...
, CT ANGConnecticut Air National GuardThe Connecticut Air National Guard is the air force militia of the U.S. state of Connecticut. It is, along with the Connecticut Army National Guard, an element of the Connecticut National Guard. It is considered a part of the United States Air Force, as well as of the state...
- Bradley ANGBBradley Air National Guard BaseBradley Air National Guard Base is the home base of the Connecticut Air National Guard 103d Airlift Wing.-Overview:The 103rd Airlift Wing is located at the Bradley Air National Guard Base, located approximately 20 miles north of Hartford in northern Connecticut. The base is home to the 1000...
(1966–1971) - 122nd Fighter-Interceptor Squadron122nd Fighter SquadronThe 122nd Fighter Squadron is an active unit of the Louisiana Air National Guard, which flies the F-15C/D Eagle. Its parent unit is the 159th Fighter Wing.-Mission:...
, LA ANGLouisiana Air National GuardThe Louisiana Air National Guard is the air force militia of the U.S. state of Louisiana. It is, along with the Louisiana Army National Guard, an element of the Louisiana National Guard...
- NAS New Orleans (1960–1971) - 123d Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, OR ANGOregon Air National GuardThe Oregon Air National Guard is the air force militia of the U.S. state of Oregon. It is, along with the Oregon Army National Guard, an element of the Oregon National Guard...
- Portland ANGBPortland Air National Guard BasePortland Air National Guard Base is a United States Air Force base, located at Portland International Airport, Oregon. It is located northeast of Portland, Oregon.-Overview:The base is the home of the 142d Fighter Wing, Oregon Air National Guard...
(1966–1971. - 132nd Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, ME ANGMaine Air National GuardThe Maine Air National Guard is the air force militia of the U.S. state of Maine. It is, along with the Maine Army National Guard, an element of the Maine National Guard...
- Bangor ANGBBangor Air National Guard BaseBangor Air National Guard Base is a United States Air Force base, located at Bangor International Airport in Bangor, Maine.-Overview:The base is the home of the 101st Air Refueling Wing, Maine Air National Guard. The 101st provides 24 hour air and ground refueling for many aircraft whose...
(1969–1970) - 134th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, VT ANGVermont Air National GuardThe Vermont Air National Guard is the air force militia of the U.S. state of Vermont. It is, along with the Vermont Army National Guard, an element of the Vermont National Guard.-158th Fighter Wing:The 158th Fighter Wing was formed in 1946...
- Burlington ANGBBurlington Air National Guard BaseBurlington Air National Guard Base is an Air National Guard installation located in South Burlington, Vermont. It operated from the 1950s until it was closed as Ethan Allen Air Force Base...
(1965–1975) - 146th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron146th Air Refueling SquadronThe 146th Air Refueling Squadron is a United States Air Force unit assigned to the 171st Air Refueling Wing, Pennsylvania Air National Guard. It is stationed at Pittsburgh IAP Air Reserve Station, Pennsylvania.-Overview:...
, PA ANGPennsylvania Air National GuardThe Pennsylvania Air National Guard is the air force militia of the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. It is, along with the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, an element of the Pennsylvania National Guard. It is considered a part of the United States Air Force, as well as of the state.-Overview:The...
- Pittsburgh AP (1961–1975) - 151st Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, TN ANGTennessee Air National GuardThe Tennessee Air National Guard is the independent air arm of the Tennessee National Guard. Along with the Tennessee Army National Guard, it comprises the National Guard of the U.S...
- McGhee-Tyson ANGBMcGhee Tyson Air National Guard BaseMcGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base is a joint military facility located at McGhee Tyson Airport. It is located approximately 10 miles south of the central business district of Knoxville, near Alcoa, Blount County, Tennessee, United States...
(1963–1964) - 152d Fighter-Interceptor Squadron152nd Fighter SquadronThe 152d Fighter Squadron flies the F-16C Block 42 Fighting Falcon. It is a unit of the Arizona Air National Guard. Its parent unit is the 162d Fighter Wing.-Major Command:*Air National Guard/Air Education and Training Command...
, AZ ANGArizona Air National GuardThe Arizona Air National Guard is the branch of the United States Air National Guard operating within the state of Arizona. It was founded by Barry Goldwater, and was integrated two years before President Truman's military integration order.-Units:...
- Tucson ANGBTucson Air National Guard BaseTucson Air National Guard Base is a United States Air Force base, located at Tucson International Airport, Arizona. It is located south of Tucson, Arizona.-Units:...
(1966–1969) - 157th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron157th Fighter SquadronThe 157th Fighter Squadron , also known as the "Swamp Foxes," is the primary flying unit of the 169th Fighter Wing of the South Carolina Air National Guard . The 157th FS is one of the few Air National Guard F-16 units in the U.S...
, SC ANGSouth Carolina Air National GuardThe South Carolina Air National Guard is the air force militia of the U.S. state of South Carolina. It is, along with the South Carolina Army National Guard, an element of the South Carolina National Guard...
MacEntire ANGB (1963–1975) - 159th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, FL ANGFlorida Air National GuardThe Florida Air National Guard is the air force militia of the U.S. state of Florida. It is, along with the Florida Army National Guard, an element of the Florida National Guard...
- Imeson FieldImeson FieldImeson Field, also known as Jacksonville Imeson Airport, was the original airport serving Jacksonville, Florida from 1927 until its closing in 1967...
(1960–1968), Jacksonville ANGBJacksonville International AirportJacksonville International Airport is a joint civil-military public airport located 13 miles north of downtown Jacksonville, a city in Duval County, Florida...
1968–1974 - 175th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, SD ANGSouth Dakota Air National GuardThe South Dakota Air National Guard is the air force militia of the U.S. state of South Dakota. It is, along with the South Dakota Army National Guard, an element of the South Dakota National Guard...
- Sioux Falls AFBJoe Foss Field Air National Guard StationJoe Foss Field Air National Guard Station is the home base of the South Dakota Air National Guard 114th Fighter Wing.-Overview:South Dakota's 114th Fighter Wing, nicknamed the Lobos, is stationed at Joe Foss Field, Sioux Falls, South Dakota....
(1960–1970) - 176th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, WI ANGWisconsin Air National GuardThe Wisconsin Air National Guard is the air force militia of the U.S. state of Wisconsin. It is, along with the Wisconsin Army National Guard, an element of the Wisconsin National Guard...
- Truax Field (1966–1974) - 178th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, ND ANGNorth Dakota Air National GuardThe North Dakota Air National Guard is the air force militia of the U.S. state of North Dakota. It is, along with the North Dakota Army National Guard, an element of the North Dakota National Guard. It is considered a part of the United States Air Force, as well as of the state.-Mission:The mission...
- Hector FieldHector International AirportHector International Airport is a joint civil-military public airport located three miles northwest of the central business district of Fargo, a city in Cass County, North Dakota, United States. It is owned by the City of Fargo Municipal Airport Authority.The airport was named after Martin...
(1966–1969) - 179th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, MN ANGMinnesota Air National GuardThe Minnesota Air National Guard is the air force militia of the U.S. state of Minnesota. It is, along with the Minnesota Army National Guard, an element of the Minnesota National Guard.-Mission:...
- Duluth ANGBDuluth Air National Guard BaseDuluth Air National Guard Base is a United States Air National Guard base located on the grounds of Duluth International Airport. It is home to the 148th Fighter Wing.-History:...
(1966–1971) - 182nd Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, TX ANGTexas Air National GuardThe Texas Air National Guard is the air force militia of the U.S. state of Texas and a component of the Texas Military Forces...
- Kelly AFB (1960–1969) - 186th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, MT ANGMontana Air National GuardThe Montana Air National Guard is the air force militia of the U.S. state of Montana. It is, along with the Montana Army National Guard, an element of the Montana National Guard.-120th Fighter Wing:...
- Great Falls ANGBGreat Falls Air National Guard BaseGreat Falls Air National Guard Base is the home base of the Montana Air National Guard 120th Fighter Wing.-Overview:The 120th Fighter Wing of the Montana Air National Guard occupies of leased land on the Great Falls International Airport , located approximately southwest of downtown Great Falls,...
(1966–1972) - 190th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, ID ANGIdaho Air National GuardThe Idaho Air National Guard is the air force militia of the U.S. state of Idaho. It is, along with the Idaho Army National Guard, an element of the Idaho National Guard. It is considered a part of the United States Air Force, as well as its state mission....
- Gowen FieldGowen Field Air National Guard BaseGowen Field Air National Guard Base is the home base of the Idaho Air National Guard 124th Fighter Wing.-Overview:The 124th Fighter Wing, Idaho Air National Guard includes two flying squadrons and 12 support units based at Gowen Field Air National Guard Base in Boise, Idaho...
(1964–1975) - 194th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, CA ANGCalifornia Air National GuardThe California Air National Guard is the air component of the California National Guard. The California Air National Guard is headquartered at Sacramento, California.One of the duties of the California Air National Guard is defense of the United States...
- Fresno ANGBFresno Air National Guard BaseFresno Air National Guard Base is the home base of the California Air National Guard 144th Fighter Wing.-Overview:The Fresno Air National Guard Base in California is home to the 144th Fighter Wing...
(1964–1974) - 196th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron196th Reconnaissance SquadronThe 196th Reconnaissance Squadron is a unit of the California Air National Guard. Its parent unit is the 163rd Reconnaissance Wing.-Mission:The 196th Reconnaissance Squadron's primary mission is to support the war on terrorism by providing reconnaissance, flying the MQ-1 Predator, 24 hours a day, 7...
, CA ANGCalifornia Air National GuardThe California Air National Guard is the air component of the California National Guard. The California Air National Guard is headquartered at Sacramento, California.One of the duties of the California Air National Guard is defense of the United States...
- Ontario IAPOntario International AirportLA/Ontario International Airport , formerly Ontario International Airport, is a public airport located east of the central business district of Ontario, a city in San Bernardino County, California, USA. This airport is owned and operated by the Los Angeles World Airports , an agency of the city...
(1965–1975) - 199th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, HI ANGHawaii Air National GuardThe Hawaii Air National Guard is the air force militia of the U.S. state of Hawaii. It is, along with the Hawaii Army National Guard, an element of the Hawaii National Guard...
- Hickam AFB (1960–1977)
- 102d Fighter-Interceptor Squadron
Survivors
Below is a partial list of museumMuseum
A museum is an institution that cares for a collection of artifacts and other objects of scientific, artistic, cultural, or historical importance and makes them available for public viewing through exhibits that may be permanent or temporary. Most large museums are located in major cities...
s or locations with an F-102 Delta Dagger on display:
Canada
- F-102A, 61-266, On in static display at Stephenville, NewfoundlandStephenville, Newfoundland and LabradorStephenville is a Canadian town in Newfoundland and Labrador on the west coast of the island of Newfoundland....
. This aircraft was formerly of the US 59th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, Goose BayGoose BayGoose Bay may refer to:* Happy Valley – Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada* Goose Bay , Canada...
(Happy Valley), LabradorNewfoundland and LabradorNewfoundland and Labrador is the easternmost province of Canada. Situated in the country's Atlantic region, it incorporates the island of Newfoundland and mainland Labrador with a combined area of . As of April 2011, the province's estimated population is 508,400...
.
Greece
- F-102A, 56-1106, on display at Tanagra
- F-102A, 56-1232, on display at Larisa
- TF-102A, 56-2355, on display at Dekelia-Tatoi
Netherlands
- F-102A, 61-032, static display at Royal Netherlands Military Aviation Museum, Soesterberg Air BaseSoesterberg Air BaseSoesterberg Air Base was a Royal Netherlands Air Force military airbase located in Soesterberg, eastnortheast of Utrecht. It was first established as an airfield in 1911, and in 1913, the Dutch Army bought the field and established the Army Aviation Division.For almost 40 years, United States...
Turkish Air Force
- F-102A, 55-3386, on display at the Turkish Air Force Aviation Museum, Yesilkoy, Istanbul
- TF-102A, 56-2368, on display at the Turkish Air Force Aviation Museum, Etimesgut, Ankara
United States
- YF-102A, 53-1787, on the Air Park at Jackson BarracksJackson BarracksJackson Barracks is a military base in New Orleans, Louisiana. The base was established in 1834 and known as New Orleans Barracks prior to 7 July 1866 when it was renamed in honor of Andrew Jackson who first advocated a US military base here....
Military Museum, New Orleans, LouisianaNew Orleans, LouisianaNew Orleans is a major United States port and the largest city and metropolitan area in the state of Louisiana. The New Orleans metropolitan area has a population of 1,235,650 as of 2009, the 46th largest in the USA. The New Orleans – Metairie – Bogalusa combined statistical area has a population... - YF-102A, 53-1788, Carolinas Aviation MuseumCarolinas Aviation MuseumThe Carolinas Aviation Museum is an aviation museum on the grounds of Charlotte/Douglas International Airport in Charlotte, North Carolina. The mission of the Museum is to educate the public about the importance of aviation to our society and inspire the next generation to excel academically in the...
, Charlotte, NCCharlotte, North CarolinaCharlotte is the largest city in the U.S. state of North Carolina and the seat of Mecklenburg County. In 2010, Charlotte's population according to the US Census Bureau was 731,424, making it the 17th largest city in the United States based on population. The Charlotte metropolitan area had a 2009...
formerly on display at Florence, South CarolinaFlorence, South Carolina-Municipal government and politics:The City of Florence has a council-manager form of government. The mayor and city council are elected every four years, with no term limits... - TF-102A, 54-1353, on the Century Circle at Edwards Air Force BaseEdwards Air Force BaseEdwards Air Force Base is a United States Air Force base located on the border of Kern County, Los Angeles County, and San Bernardino County, California, in the Antelope Valley. It is southwest of the central business district of North Edwards, California and due east of Rosamond.It is named in...
, near Rosamond, CaliforniaRosamond, CaliforniaRosamond is a census-designated place in Kern County, California, USA, north of Palmdale, in the Antelope Valley, the westernmost desert valley of the Mojave Desert. Rosamond is also south of Mojave, , and north of Lancaster at an elevation of 2342 feet...
, formerly on display at General William J. Fox AirfieldGeneral William J. Fox AirfieldGeneral William J. Fox Airfield , locally known as "Fox Field" is an airport located in Lancaster, California serving the Antelope Valley region of northern Los Angeles County. Although the airport is used primarily for general aviation, there are limited scheduled cargo operations, and the U.S...
in Lancaster, CaliforniaLancaster, CaliforniaLancaster is a charter city in northern Los Angeles County, in the high desert, near the Kern County line. Lancaster currently ranks as the 30th largest city in California, and the 148th largest city in the United States. Lancaster is the principal city within the Antelope Valley... - TF-102A, 54-1366, on display at the Pima Air and Space Museum adjacent to Davis-Monthan AFB in Tucson, ArizonaTucson, ArizonaTucson is a city in and the county seat of Pima County, Arizona, United States. The city is located 118 miles southeast of Phoenix and 60 miles north of the U.S.-Mexico border. The 2010 United States Census puts the city's population at 520,116 with a metropolitan area population at 1,020,200...
. - F-102A, 54-1405, Strategic Air and Space MuseumStrategic Air and Space MuseumThe Strategic Air and Space Museum is a museum focusing on United States Air Force military aircraft and nuclear missiles located near Ashland, Nebraska, along Interstate 80 southwest of Omaha, Nebraska. The objective of the museum is to preserve and display historic aircraft, missile, and space...
, Ashland, NebraskaAshland, NebraskaAshland is a city in Saunders County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 2,262 at the 2000 census.- History :Ashland is located at the site of a low-water limestone ledge along the bottom of Salt Creek, an otherwise mud-bottomed stream that was a formidable obstacle for wagon trains on the...
near Offutt AFB, NebraskaNebraskaNebraska is a state on the Great Plains of the Midwestern United States. The state's capital is Lincoln and its largest city is Omaha, on the Missouri River....
- F-102A, 56-00984, at Wings Over the Rockies MuseumWings Over the Rockies Air and Space MuseumThe Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum is located on the former grounds of Lowry Air Force Base in Denver, Colorado. The museum, which opened in 1994, is housed in the Hangar #1 built in 1939. The museum preserves the history of Lowry AFB's operations from 1938 to 1994 in its...
. (former Lowry AFB) Denver, ColoradoDenver, ColoradoThe City and County of Denver is the capital and the most populous city of the U.S. state of Colorado. Denver is a consolidated city-county, located in the South Platte River Valley on the western edge of the High Plains just east of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains...
. - F-102A, 56-00985, on display at McEntire Air National Guard Base, South Carolina
- F-102A, 56-00986, at MAPS Air MuseumMAPS Air MuseumThe MAPS Air Museum, run by the Military Aircraft Preservation Society, is located at the Akron-Canton Regional Airport in Green, Ohio, USA.-Overview:...
, Akron-Canton Regional AirportAkron-Canton Regional AirportAkron-Canton Regional Airport is a commercial Class C airport located in the city of Green, in southern Summit County, Ohio roughly southeast of Akron, northwest of Canton, and northeast of Massillon...
, OhioOhioOhio is a Midwestern state in the United States. The 34th largest state by area in the U.S.,it is the 7th‑most populous with over 11.5 million residents, containing several major American cities and seven metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more.The state's capital is Columbus...
. - F-102A, 56-1053, (painted as 56-1274) at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska Heritage Park.
- F-102A, 56-1109, at Peterson Air and Space MuseumPeterson Air and Space MuseumPeterson Air and Space Museum is located inside Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado Springs, Colorado. Access to the museum is limited due to security concerns, so tour groups should contact the museum curator...
, Peterson AFB, Colorado Springs, ColoradoColorado Springs, ColoradoColorado Springs is a Home Rule Municipality that is the county seat and most populous city of El Paso County, Colorado, United States. Colorado Springs is located in South-Central Colorado, in the southern portion of the state. It is situated on Fountain Creek and is located south of the Colorado...
- F-102A, 56-1368, tail number 0-61368 at Evergreen Aviation MuseumEvergreen Aviation MuseumThe Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum is an aviation museum which displays a number of military and civilian aircraft and spacecraft, most notably, the Hughes H-4 Hercules "Spruce Goose". The museum is located in McMinnville, Oregon, across the street from the headquarters of Evergreen...
, McMinnville, OregonMcMinnville, OregonMcMinnville is the county seat and largest city of Yamhill County, Oregon, United States. According to Oregon Geographic Names, it was named by its founder, William T. Newby , an early immigrant on the Oregon Trail, for his hometown of McMinnville, Tennessee... - F-102A, 56-1413, at Castle Air MuseumCastle Air MuseumCastle Air Museum is a military aviation museum located in Atwater, California, United States adjacent to the site of the former Castle Air Force Base...
(former Castle AFB), Atwater, CaliforniaAtwater, CaliforniaAtwater is a city on U.S. Route 99 in Merced County, California, United States. Atwater is west-northwest of Merced, at an elevation of 151 feet . The population as of the 2010 census was 28,168.-Geography:... - F-102A, 56-1416, at National Museum of the United States Air ForceNational Museum of the United States Air ForceThe National Museum of the United States Air Force is the official museum of the United States Air Force located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base northeast of Dayton, Ohio. The NMUSAF is the world's largest and oldest military aviation museum with more than 360 aircraft and missiles on display...
, Wright-Patterson Air Force BaseWright-Patterson Air Force BaseWright-Patterson Air Force Base is a United States Air Force base in Greene and Montgomery counties in the state of Ohio. It includes both Wright and Patterson Fields, which were originally Wilbur Wright Field and Fairfield Aviation General Supply Depot. Patterson Field is located approximately...
near Dayton, OhioDayton, OhioDayton is the 6th largest city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Montgomery County, the fifth most populous county in the state. The population was 141,527 at the 2010 census. The Dayton Metropolitan Statistical Area had a population of 841,502 in the 2010 census... - F-102A, 56-1476, at Minnesota Air National GuardMinnesota Air National GuardThe Minnesota Air National Guard is the air force militia of the U.S. state of Minnesota. It is, along with the Minnesota Army National Guard, an element of the Minnesota National Guard.-Mission:...
Base, Minneapolis, MinnesotaMinneapolis, MinnesotaMinneapolis , nicknamed "City of Lakes" and the "Mill City," is the county seat of Hennepin County, the largest city in the U.S. state of Minnesota, and the 48th largest in the United States... - TF-102A, 56-2317, at Grissom Air Museum, Grissom Air Reserve BaseGrissom Air Reserve BaseGrissom Air Reserve Base is a United States Air Force base, located approximately north of Kokomo, Indiana. The facility is a joint use civil airport/military base with the Grissom Aeroplex which provides general aviation and charter service....
, Peru, IndianaPeru, Indiana-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 12,994 people, 5,410 households, and 3,397 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,815.5 people per square mile . There were 5,943 housing units at an average density of 1,287.7 per square mile...
. - TF-102A, 56-2346, at Fort Indiantown GapFort Indiantown GapFort Indiantown Gap, also referred to as "The Gap" or "FIG", is a census-designated place and U.S. Army post primarily located in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania. A portion of the installation is located in eastern Dauphin County...
, Pennsylvania. - F-102A, 56-1515, at McChord Air Museum, McChord Air Force Base, Washington.
- F-102A, 57-0858, at Tyndall Air Park, Tyndall AFB, Florida
- F-102A, 56-1105, on static display at the Lions park in Great Falls, MontanaGreat Falls, MontanaGreat Falls is a city in and the county seat of Cascade County, Montana, United States. The population was 58,505 at the 2010 census. It is the principal city of the Great Falls, Montana Metropolitan Statistical Area, which encompasses all of Cascade County...
- TF-102A, 56-2346, on display at Pennsylvania National Guard Military Museum, Pennsylvania National GuardPennsylvania National GuardThe Pennsylvania National Guard is composed of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard and the Pennsylvania Air National Guard. It is one of the largest National Guards in the nation. It has the largest Army National Guard of all the states and the fourth largest Air National Guard. These forces are...
Headquarters, Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania. (Aircraft was assigned to the Pennsylvania Air National GuardPennsylvania Air National GuardThe Pennsylvania Air National Guard is the air force militia of the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. It is, along with the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, an element of the Pennsylvania National Guard. It is considered a part of the United States Air Force, as well as of the state.-Overview:The...
, at the 112th Fighter Interceptor Group112th Air Refueling GroupThe 112th Air Refueling Group in an inactive United States Air Force unit, allocated to the Pennsylvania Air National Guard. It was last assigned to the Pittsburgh IAP Air Reserve Station, being inactivated on 1 October 1993.-History:...
, Pittsburgh International AirportPittsburgh International AirportPittsburgh International Airport , formerly Greater Pittsburgh Airport, Greater Pittsburgh International Airport and commonly referred to as Pittsburgh International, is a joint civil–military international airport located in the Pittsburgh suburb of Findlay Township, approximately west of...
, Coraopolis, PennsylvaniaCoraopolis, PennsylvaniaCoraopolis is a borough in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, USA. The population was 5,677 at the 2010 census. In 1940 the population peaked at 11,086. It is a small community located to the west of Pittsburgh, along the Ohio River and to the east of the Pittsburgh International Airport...
from 1960–1974 and is on loan from the National Museum of the United States Air Force). - F-102A, 56-1268, on static display at the San Diego Air and Space Museum Annex, Gillespie FieldGillespie FieldGillespie Field is a county-owned public-use airport located 10 miles northeast of the central business district of San Diego, in El Cajon, San Diego County, California, United States....
, El Cajon, California.