Convair F-106 Delta Dart Country: USA Type: Fighter Manufacturer: Convair Service: 1959 - 1988 First Flight: 26 December 1956 Production: 340

The Convair F-106 Delta Dart was the primary all-weather interceptor aircraft for the United States Air Force (USAF) from the 1960s through the 1980s. Designed as the so-called ultimate interceptor, it has proven to be the last dedicated interceptor in USAF service to date. It was gradually retired during the 1980s, although the QF-106 drone conversions of the aircraft were used until 1998.

The F-106 emerged from the USAF 1954 interceptor program as an advanced derivative of the F-102 Delta Dagger known as the F-102B, for which the United States Air Force placed an order for in November 1955. The aircraft featured so many modifications and design changes it became a new design in its own right, redesignated F-106 on 17 June 1956.

The F-106 served in the continental USA, Alaska, and Iceland, as well as brief periods in Germany and South Korea. Although contemplated for use in Vietnam, it never saw combat, nor was it exported to foreign users. The F-15A started replacing the F-106 in 1981, with Delta Darts typically passed on to Air National Guard units. The F-106 remained in service in various USAF and ANG units until 1988.

General characteristics