NOTE: RADIO CONTROL AIRPLANES ARE ON THE BOTTOM HALF OF THE PAGE.
>The Convair F-102 Delta Dagger was the first operational delta wing aircraft and the first supersonic all weather interceptor. The plane 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 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 rockets.
The F-102 Delta Dagger was the predecessor to delta wing Mach 2 aircraft. Its development 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 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 aircraft took to the sky. In April of 1956 production aircraft began being deployed to the U.S.A.F. which eventually totaled 26 squadrons around the world. The air forces of Greece and Turkey also used the 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. The F-102 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, 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
We haven't seen many Convair F-102 Delta Dagger scale model rc airplanes for sale. That may be because it is so similar to the F-106. Therefore, all the rc airplanes mentioned below will be referred to as the subject of this page.
The first picture above is of the rc Convair F-102 Delta Dagger scale model rc airplane from Parkjets plans. It is 43" long and has a wingspan of 33". Construction is all foam and power comes from a pusher prop.
The first picture below is of the electric ducted fan rc F-102 Delta Dagger EDF scratch built by Don Savage. It has a wingspan of 28" and a length of 49.5". A Kyosho AP-29L motor turning a WeMoTec 480 mini fan powers it. Don used balsa and light plywood construction.
The second picture below is of the rc F-102 Delta Dagger ARF scale model rc airplane for sale from Nitro Planes. Wing span is 38".
The last picture on this page is of a rc F-102 Delta Dagger from a kit for sale by Zia Models. These kits were sold in the 1980's. It has a wingspan of 33" and a length of 43". Pulling it is a K&B .40 engine.
Convair F-102 Delta Dagger
