F-106A Delta Dart 5th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, "The Spittin Kittens" (1:72)

The Convair F-106 Delta Dart began as an advanced version of the F-102 but because of so many modifications and design changes it became a new aircraft with its own designation. It was designed as a missile carrying all-weather interceptor against Soviet bombers and served in this role from the 1960s until the 1980s. The F-106A as well as the F-106B two-seat trainer served with 15 fighter interceptor squadrons starting in 1959. The aircraft was rarely referred to as the Delta Dart but was commonly called the '6'.

The 317th Convair F-106A Delta Dart built was c/n 8-31-19 serial 59-0130 / AD152 and was delivered to the USAF on September 1, 1960. The 5th FIS 'Spittin Kittens' was the last unit 59-0130 was assigned. The 'Spittin Kittens' got their name from the 2 lynx cub mascots they adopted. In 1985 the F-15 began replacing the F-106s and this aircraft was sent to storage and then converted to a drone and survived. Next it was used by NASA before being sent to AMARC in 1998.

Specifications for the Convair F-106A Delta Dart

Crew:1 x Pilot

Performance
Power Plant:1 x Pratt & Whitney J75-17 afterburning turbojet producing 24,500 lbf (109kN)
Maximum Speed:Mach 2.3 (1,525 mph / 2,455 km/h)
Rate Of Climb:29,000 ft/min (150 m/s)
Time To Altitude:6.9 min to 52,700 ft (16,065 m)
Service Ceiling:57,000 ft (17,000 m)
Ferry Range:2,700 mi (2,300 nm / 4,300 km)
Combat Range:1,800 mi (1,600 nm / 2,900 km)

Dimensions
Length:70.7 ft (21.55 m)
Wingspan:38.25 ft (11.67 m)
Height:20.28 ft (6.18 m)

Weight
Empty:24,420 lb (11,077 kg)
Loaded:34,510 lb (15,670 kg)

Armament
1 x 20 mm (0.787 in) M61 Vulcan Gatling gun
2 x AIM-4F Falcon
2 x AIM-4G Falcon
1 x AIR-2A Genie nuclear rocket