Convair F-106 Delta Dart

The Convair F-106 Delta Dart was a supersonic, all-weather interceptor built for the United States Air Force. It evolved from the earlier F-102 Delta Dagger; originally conceived as an improved F-102B, the aircraft was so extensively redesigned that it received the new F-106 designation. The Delta Dart entered service in 1959.

Designed primarily to intercept enemy bombers as part of North American air defense, the F-106 featured a sleek delta wing and was equipped with a sophisticated fire-control system integrated with the nation's air defense network. It carried air-to-air missiles, including a nuclear-tipped rocket, intended to destroy incoming bombers before they could reach their targets. The Air Force acquired several hundred of the aircraft.

The F-106 proved to be a fast and capable interceptor and remained in front-line service for an unusually long time, guarding American airspace through much of the 1980s. As the threat shifted away from manned bombers, the type was gradually retired, with some airframes later used as remotely piloted target drones.