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Design of the F-102 began in 1950 to meet an Air Force requirement for a supersonic interceptor. Convair settled on a delta-winged design based on the XF-92A and in consultation with Dr. Alexander Lippisch, who had done a great deal of work on delta wing designs in Germany during World War II. The first YF-102 flew in October 1953 and failed to meet the design requirements, it could not in fact reach supersonic speeds. A massive redesign of the aircraft’s fuselage and wings resulted in the YF-102A, which did meet the requirements of the Air Force and production of this version commenced in 1954. The first of 875 Delta Daggers were delivered to the 327th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron in 1956 and served in the Air Force and Air National Guard until 1976.
Century Series Fighters: F-100C, F-101B, RF-101C, RF-101H, F-102A, TF-102A, F-104D, F-105D, F-105G, F-106A, F-107A
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| Wingspan |
38 ft 1 in |
| Length |
68 ft 3 in |
| Height |
21 ft 2 in |
| Weight |
31,276 lbs (loaded) |
| Maximum Speed |
780 mph |
| Service Ceiling |
51,800 ft |
| Range |
1,204 miles |
| Engines |
1 Pratt & Whitney J57-P-23A turbojet 16,000 pounds thrust with a |
| Crew |
1 |
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