Kits, Pictures & Text by Peter Mojzisek
 Convair F-106 "Delta Dart"

F-106 Florida 001.JPG

In 1954, the Delta Dart was conceived as the "Ultimate Interceptor". When introduced in 1959, it encompassed state-of-the-art technology (including hands-off interception, plus nuclear air-to-air missiles) - and proved to be the last pure interceptor designed as such for the USAF and also the last to be retired.

Designed as a follow-on model of the not so successful F-102 Delta Dagger, the USAF soon realized the great potential of the "Sexy Six". It was built really as a system, linked via its Hughes MA-1 fire control system through a digital datalink into the SAGE (semi-automatic ground environment) defense. Beloved by its pilots, and often called a "Cadillac of the skies".
F-106 Florida 006.JPG The kit is from Monogram (#5828), issued in 1983. It can be built into a true replica of the Delta Dart, even with open missile bays.

I choose to use decals from Bare-Metal (#48-38), while all paints came from Testors ModelMaster series.

It's a complete out-of-the-box project, without additional parts or any conversions. Maybe its a nice feature of Monogram to make their kits with open bays or panels, but I do not like it. It's always a great deal of work to close these items (filler is *every* time needed).
F-106 Florida 002.JPG Typically for Monogram, the cockpit is an "easy go". Most of their cockpits are needing only a good base-paint, than dry-brushing and a few touches of red, blue, yellow and black will do the job.

I had luck with the quality of the clear parts. With a few polishing, I achieved a truly transparent look on them.

My kit shows a F-106 from the Florida Air National Guard, based at Jacksonville Intl. Airport in Florida (as seen there in December 1983). It has been assigned to the 125th Fighter Interceptor Group, 159th Fighter Interceptor Squadron.

The Delta Dart served from May 1974 until March 1987 with the Florida ANG, and was then replaced by the F-16.

F-106 Florida 003.JPG
F-106 Florida 004.JPG With the powerful P&W J-75-P-17 engine, the F-106 was able to reach a top speed of Mach 2.3 in 36,000 feet. This performance, in conjunction with the radar-system and the mighty missiles (1 nuclear AIR-2 Genie and 4 AIM-4 Falcon), made the Delta Dart a perfect interceptor.

There were 340 Delta Darts built, 277 single-seater and 63 twin-seater.

F-106 Florida 005.JPG

I have three pictures of a *real* F-106, taken by myself at Nellis AFB in 1997.
If you want to see them, please go to Page 2 !

>>> click here to visit Patrick J. McGee: Pat's World - F-106 Delta Dart <<<

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