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Designation: TF-102A

Convair TF-102A

Convair TF-102A Delta Dagger

A picture of the Convair TF-102A Delta Dagger

Because the handling characteristics of delta-wing aircraft are very different from conventional aircraft, particularly at take-off and landing it was determined that a dedicated trainer was needed for pilots transitioning to the F-102.  Nicknamed “The Tub” for its redesigned bulbous nose the TF-102A allowed pilots to learn the intricacies of high-speed interceptor tactics as well as of the plane’s tricky handling.  Each squadron that flew Delta Daggers was assigned two trainers as well.  A total of 111 TF-102s were ordered but only 63 were built.

Wingspan 38 ft 1 in.

Wingspan

Length 63 ft 4 in.

Length

Height 21 ft 2 in.

Height

Weight 32,104 lbs (loaded)

Weight

Max. Speed 646 MPH

Maximum Speed

Service Ceiling 55,000 ft

Service Ceiling

Range 1,350 miles

Range

Engines One Pratt & Whitney J57-P-23A turbojet with 16,000 pounds of thrust

Engine

Crew 2

Crew


Manufacturer
Convair

Markings
525th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, Bitburg AB, West Germany, 1962

Serial Number
54-1366

Designation
TF-102A