Book Review: Convair F-102 Delta Dagger in action

A quite useful look at the "Deuce" - the USAF's first true supersonic interceptor, and the first operational USAF delta-wing type.


The whole series of Convair's deltas sprang from the XF-92, and the book's introduction details the history of this demonstrator aircraft. There are three photos; one of the original XP-92 design with provision for a prone pilot, and two of the more conventional XF-92 demonstrator that actually flew.

 The development of the Deuce was a protracted affair, as the original concept of simply scaling up the XF-92 did not produce a supersonic aircraft. There are several photos of the original prototype. Next up is the evolution to the service test YF-102 (illustrated by isde-view drawings) - and finally there is the longer and area-ruled YF-102A, which finally achieved supersonic flight.

 Coverage of the first operational "short tail" F-102As includes the 327th FIS at George AFB and an aircraft from the Air Proving Ground. Some highlights:

*Large photo of the 327th FIS commander's aircraft.

 * Sequence of photos showing an AIM-4 launch
* A pair of cockpit photos

Ten color profiles, including:

*YF-102A at first flight

*57th FIS aircraft

496th FIS at Hahn AB

327th FIS commander's aircraft

27th FIS Griffiss AFB

509th FIS camoflauged aircraft at Udorn

TF-102 of the 32nd FIS

TF-102 of the Air Defense Weapons Center at Tyndall AFB

TF-102 of the Greek Air Force

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scrap drawings of the ejection seat and Case X & Case XX wings

Shot of a camo'd F-102A with the temporary refueling probe, and another of an 82nd FIS aircraft refueling from a KC-135.


Development of the TF-102 trainer with side by side seating. Includes:

TF-102 cockpit photo

3-view & specifications

Large photo of a TF-102 of the 57th FIS


JF-102A with J85 engine in the weapons bay

First QF-102 drone in an all-white scheme


Greek F-102A

  sample book via Squadron/Signal

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Other Delta Wing Aircraft:

Avro Vulcan

Dassault Mirage III

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