In the mid 1950s a unique, delta-winged, Mach II aircraft--known as 'The Ultimate Interceptor'--took to the air for the first time at Edwards AFFTC in the Mojave desert. This culmination of years of work by Convair and the United States Air Force, and stemming from original aeronautical design innovations of Germany's Alexander Lippisch, was to become the mainstay of American continental air defense for nearly 30 years.
The 'Six' is generally regarded by those who flew her and took care of her myriad complexities as one of the most aesthetically beautiful aircraft designs ever to come off a drafting board; the Six was also a great plane to fly, as was its predecessor, the Deuce (F-102 Delta Dagger). This website intends to serve as a convenient focal point for all who regard the "Sexy Six" as the 'Class of the Century Series' fighters and wish to share in or access any and all information available concerning the aircraft.
Although this site will remain under nominal construction, it will principally serve as a reference to several other F106 websites that exist for the purpose of attracting former USAF personnel associated with this interesting aircraft and providing them with a means of getting back together with other former 'Sixers'. Originally, this site was to deal actively with aspects of the Six, its systems, and history, but since the site was established in 1999, a much better and very active F106 site has come into being. This is "Pat's World of the F-106 Delta dart". Follow the hyperlink at the bottom of the page to this excellent all-in-one resource for the Six.
One originally anticipated goal was to prepare a comprehensive history of this fascinating aircraft. Unfortunately, the press of other committments has forestalled this ambitious project. It is hoped that eventually someone will come across with a hardcover book on the Six that will fill a conspicuous gap in available reference works on this most interesting and formidable expression of Century Series aircraft developments.
Your comments, photographic images, and former experiences with the 'Six' are sought and contact is welcomed! (Especially welcome is contact with former 5th FIS personnel who flew and maintained the Six during those frigid North Dakota winters that I experienced at MAFB in 1966-67.)
Almost 2/3rds (approximately 199 aircraft) of all the Sixes produced were converted to QF106 aerial target drones under the 'Pacer Six' Program, with most being expended by the 82 ATRS at Tyndall AFB (Florida). In the course of active operations QF106 drone ops, which extended to January of 1998, there were several flyable survivors which were able to return to AMARC for storage (D-MAFB, AZ); see lists below for more details. There were also a few non-flying airframes left on the Tyndall ramp at the end of the 'Pacer Six' Program (7 aircraft), as well, and originally they were parked in that part of the Tyndall AFB ramp known as the 'Swamp' (although in unflyable condition). Purchase of these remaining airframes was subsequently negotiated by a private aviation enterprise based in Texas (David Tokoff's GRECO-AIR in El Paso) and a tentative deal was struck with DRMS to sell the aircraft for purposes of restoring them as non-flying, museum-display grade aircraft. One of these aircraft was reportedly ear-marked for restoration as a fully operational flying specimen, although it appears that perhaps two of them may have been fully restored at this time for flight (including a two-seat B model); however, due to the fact that stringent 'de-mil' requirements for combat aircraft require cutting the airframe structural members to render them incapable of further flight applications, this stalled the whole purchase package for some time. At present (2 Mar 04), the non-flying survivors have all been trucked from the Tyndall ramp and shipped to GRECO-AIR's El Paso base of operations, whered most of them are awaiting restoration.
NASA also used the Six (two former Minot AFB birds from 5th FIS) in flight test operations at Edwards AFFTC in California as 'proof of concept' flight models for the reusable towed-aerospace plane program (Eclipse Project); although that program is now over (it ended in late 1998), these two aircraft (SN's 59-0130 and 59-0010) were both flown back to AMARC. The McClellan Aviation Foundation Museum (former McClellan AFB Museum prior to privatisation in 2001) has been granted permission to add 59-0010 to its collection of 30 aircraft in Sacramento and the retrieval of 59-0010 is underway at this time. There were until just a short while ago a total of about 20-22 surviving F106A & B models (this includes Sixes that were never droned-out). As the days and weeks go by, this number has been whittled slowly down to a small handful at present. With the remaining survivors going to aviation museums, AMARC will soon be 'out of Sixes', as the old saying put it.
A list of tail numbers of the Pacer Six drone conversions is available, as is a list of the expended drones and their individual fates, for anyone wishing to know the final disposition of their particular A/C. For a complete list of QF106A/B aircraft (cross indexed by AD, FN and their service tail numbers), call us or contact by by e-mail. Additionally, the best information available about this final phase of the Six's service life may be found again at "Pat's World of the F106 Delta Dart" website.
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It has always struck me as fitting and appropriate that there should be an F106 on permanent display at McClellan Air Force Base's Aviation Museum (Sacramento, California), in view of the important role that that ALC facility played in keeping the Sixes in top combat readiness throughout their service lives in ADC and TAC. Formerly, Air Force Museum personnel (Dayton) stated that they had no immediate plans to comply with this request--presumably due to the uncertain tenure of the base's aviation museum when the base was scheduled to close for good in 2000. However, now that the McClellan Aviation Museum Foundation has succeeded in guaranteeing the independent autonomy of that museum after USAF closed McClellan's doors, this is no longer a stumbling block and I am happy to report that USAFM Director B. Gen. Charlie Metcalf granted McClellan permission to acquire 59-0010 for its collection. 59-0010 is a particularly interesting and historic aircraft, having led a long and storied life. It survived a serious mid-air collision with another Six, while in 5th FIS service, many years ago and also survived the 'PACER SIX' QF-106 drone program at Tyndall AFB. It was also and most recently (as noted above) one of the two aircraft employed by NASA in the 'Project Eclipse' program at Edwards AFFTC in 1997-98.
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ANOTHER NOTE: DRMS had two F106 airframes listed on its website as being up for bid on 8 Dec 98. No word as to the completeness of these airframes but interested parties might make further inquiries (warbird restoration? museum display?). Details follow: LOCATION = San Antonio, Texas; DESCRIPTION = Airframe, Aircraft, F106; QUANTITY = 2; FSC number = 1560; NIIN = 009796690; DISPOSAL TURN-IN DOCUMENT NUMBER = SC440281610N03; CONDITION = A2 (serviceable, unissued, etc.); CATALOGUE NUMBER = 31-9312; ITEM NUMBER = 0172; BID OPENING DATE = 8 Dec 98.
* 'SIX' COMPONENTS UP FOR ADOPTION **
DATED: July 99. Have just been informed of the availability of a limited number of Weber rocket ejection seats removed from F106A & B aircraft (probably no more than 3 or so). These seats are in very good overall condition with seat & shoulder restraints (HBU-4/P automatic release belts), left side pressure suit exhaust hose, and BA-24 (ballistic deployment) personal back-style chute-actuation lanyard connector. (The proper F106 type PN 140000-24/24A seat survival kits are not included with these seats.) There aren't more than a handful of these seats available anywhere, nor is it expected that there will be in future, as most of the 192 QF106A/B drones were destroyed along with their seats in the recently concluded PACER SIX remotely flown target program. Interested parties should contact Manual "Bob" Niemann at sen@saha.org in Texas for details.
Have also been informed of a rare ergonometric cockpit instrument panel simulation module (mock-up) that was used by Convair San Diego in their early design researches on favorable instrument placement in Six production cockpits. The trainer features a real Six windscreen and canopy (early 'spined' model), is about 1000# in weight and may be trailered without too much difficulty. Also included is a Weber rocket ejection seat (as used from early 60s onwards). This is a rare and most interesting item that I would like to see acquired by an aviation museum for possible display in a Six exhibit. Interested individuals please contact me for more information on this item or contact [bloodhnd83@aol.com] directly. Unit is located in Southern California (San Diego).
Finally, Anyone who has a PN 140000-24A Seat Survival Kit (such as was used in the Six's Weber Rocket ejection seat) that lacks the proper 0xygen bailout breathing bottles/regulator assembly (situated in the rear most compartment of the kit), may contact me. I have a line on a spare assembly for the completion of your kit (Chris Carey). This also applies for anyone wishing to acquire a genuine Six throttle quadrant, as I know of where several examples in top shape may be acquired (about $150 each).
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F106A/B aircraft on display across the country as of 24 Dec 98:
SN 56-0451, F106A....Selfridge AFB, MI (painted as SN 59-0082).
SN 56-0454, F106A....Holloman AFB, NM ("HO")
SN 56-0459, F106A....McCord AFB, WA (318th FIS)
SN 56-0460, F106A....Minot AFB, ND (5th FIS)
SN 57-2492, F106A....Great Falls, MT (186th FIS)
SN 57-2515, F106B....Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ (B-1B Chase Plane)
SN 57-2516, F106B....Hampton Air Space Museum, VA (NASA)
SN 57-2523, F106B....Atlantic City IAP, NJ (177th FIS, ANG)
SN 57-2533, F106B....Kelly AFB, TX (159th FIS)
SN 57-0230, F106A....Jacksonville IAP, FL (159th FIS)
SN 58-0787, F106A....Wright-Patterson AFB, OH (49th FIS)
SN 59-0003, F106A....Pima Air/Space Museum, AZ (5th FIS--"Balls 3!")
SN 59-0023, F106A....Dover AFB, DE (95th FIS)
SN 59-0069, F106A....Griffiss AFB, NY
SN 59-0134, F106A....Peterson Museum, CO
SN 59-0145, F106A....Tyndall AFB, FL
SN 59-0146, F106A....Fresno Air Terminal, CA (194th FIS, ANG)
SN XX-xxxx, F106.....Andrews AFB, MD (status, details unkn.)
SN XX-xxxx, F106x....Charlston AFB, SC (status, details unkn.)
SN XX-xxxx, F106x....Selfridge City Park, MI (status, details unkn.)
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F106A/B aircraft in storage status as of 24 Dec 98:
SN 56-0461, F106A, FN074, arrival 02 Apr 85, location=200901
SN 57-2510, F106B, FN048, arrival 04 Apr 84, location=200902
SN 57-2513, F106B, FN202, arrival 02 Dec 93, location=Display
SN 57-2514, F106B, FN161, arrival 23 Nov 87, location=200906
SN 58-0774, F106A, FN206, arrival 04 Mar 98, location=19SHOLD, AD146
SN 58-0793, F106A, FN204, arrival 23 Feb 98, location=19SHOLD, AD242
SN 58-0903, F106B, FN046, arrival 03 Apr 84, location=201001
SN 58-0904, F106B, FN044, arrival 02 Apr 84, location=200905
SN 59-0003, F106A, FN070, arrival 24 Jan 85, location=Pima A/S Mus. (5th FIS)
SN 59-0010, F106A, AXNE0001, arr. 12 May 98, location=EAFFTC, AD246 (5th FIS)
SN 59-0012, F106A, FN077, arrival 03 Apr 85, location=200908
SN 59-0043, F106A, FN207, arrival 04 Mar 98, location=19SHOLD, AD227
SN 59-0065, F106A, FN003, arrival 25 Feb 82, location=180707
SN 59-0079, F106A, FN013, arrival 07 Jul 83, location=180708
SN 59-0086, F106A, FN100, arrival 04 Sep 85, location=201002
SN 59-0095, F106A, FN089, arrival 21 May 85, location=210005
SN 59-0115, F106A, FN004, arrival 05 Mar 82, location=200904
SN 59-0130, F106A, AXNE0002, arr. 12 May 98, location=19SHOLD, AD152
SN 59-0137, F106A, FN062, arrival 16 Oct 84, location 200903
SN 59-0147, F106A, FN017, arrival 17 Oct 83, location=200907
SN 59-0158, F106B, FN205, arrival 23 Feb 98, location=19SHOLD, AD275
SN 59-0164, F106B, FN050, arrival 04 Apr 84, location=201008
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As DRMS recycling churns onward, a few bits and pieces of Six components and equipment are starting to turn up for private purchase. Although I have a complete Weber rocket seat and throttle quadrant removed from the 2nd 'B' model built (SN: 57-2058), I lacked a Six control stick assembly until recently. Was able to obtain one in trade for my B-58 control grip (a very rare item!). Thank you!
One other thing: Some time ago I was trying to recall the precise helmet paint scheme which Minot's 5th FIS crews were using in the 1965-67 time frame. I recalled that it had consisted of a white HGU-2/P helmet with a dark blue visor cover, on which there was a 5th FIS decal on the right visor shell side and a Delta Dart profile (in a circle) decal on the left side (this was while 5th FIS was still under ADC tenure--TAC had not yet taken air defense under its aegis, after which helmet color-scheme regs changed and reflective tape for all TAC squadrons became mandatory for ground safety reasons). I was fortunate to be contacted in this regard by former 5th FIS CO Col. R. E. Chandler, who provided me with some confirmation on this and shared a few interesting personal anecdotes on his 5th FIS days in ADC. Col. Chandler still had his 5th FIS HGU-2/P helmet, complete with the color scheme described above, and stated that he continued to wear it well after TAC took over the 5th, much to the consternation of the 'higher elements' in TAC. Colonel Chandler also enjoyed relating that former ADC types took covert pleasure in flaunting their ADC Indian Orange flight suits whenever possible, after TAC's tenure began, with its Sage-Green uniformity. He noted that on one occasional, there was a costume party given at the base for TAC people and all the former ADC people came in their orange flight suits, greatly enjoying the frustration this caused on the part of all the others. Regrettably, we have not been able to contact Colonel Chandler recently and are uncertain as to his present status. It is hoped that he is still among us, hale & hearty, and in good health. If anyone has any word on the Colonel, an email contact would be appreciated. Thank you!
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PHOTOGRAPHS OF YOUR BIRD AVAILABLE: (18 Dec 99) Recently received a letter from Norm Taylor, former Sixer and now retired USAF, who advises that he has a vast collection of photographs of the Six in all its squadrons, at all the bases it flew out of, and of all tail numbers. Norm has actively photographed the Six since as early as 1963 and spent years in many different duty assignments, including 7 years at Elmendorf, where he managed to capture just about every ADC Six unit that pulled alert there. Among other things, he photographed the last two Sixes to fly out of Shaw before they closed down, and also managed to get photos of all of the survivor Sixes left at Tyndall when the 'Pacer Six' program stood down. Norm will send you a 9 page list of his Six photographs if you will contact him by email (normtaylorc47@hotmail.com) or by phone (803.481-3754). 8x10 B&W glossies go for $4 each (plus postage), 8x10 color glossies are $7 each (plus postage), and slides can be borrowed for copying at $1.10 per slide (plus postage). I have seen a page from Norm's list and each aircraft is listed by A/C type & block #, S/N, Unit & location photographed at, date of photograph, and views available. This sounds like a great way to bring back memories of former associations with the 'sexy Six'.
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SIX TRIVIA: Did you know that there was at one time a three-engine F106? That is, a Six that was equipped with the primary Pratt & Whitney J-75-P-17 afterburning turbojet (as was standard configuration), as well as two auxiliary engines--one under each wing where the drop tanks were normally fitted? For six O-Club points (or 12 NCO-Club points), does anyone know what the details of this one-of-a-kind Six were? S/N? Location? Squadron? Ultimate disposition? Let me have your answers, if you do. Thanks.
<<<<<"Yes, this aircraft did exist! It was a long term borrow from First Fighter Wing (Selfridge AFB) in the 60s. It was intended to test various engine inlet and exhaust configurations for the future (later cancelled) US SST program. According to my father, it belonged to the 94th FIS and actually stopped at Selfridge at one time. Because of my father's interest in this aircraft, I have been searching the net for information on it for a couple of years: NASA renumbered this Dart as tail number 816NA and assigned it to Dryden, yet it always flew out of Langley. To fit the nacelle-mounted engines (one under each wing, where the Six's drop tanks were normally emplaced), the elevons were split to clear the exhaust. Auxilliary (fuel) tanks were mounted in the missile bays along with extra instrumentation. Later, this aircraft was modified again with an early fly-by-wire control system (NASA colors). Still later, 816NA was modified to test wing-tip vortex flaps (turbulence generators) to enhance flight characteristics (NASA colors). This aircraft's last use was to research lightning strike effects (NASA paint removed--bare metal). The plane was finally retired to the Hampton Roads Virginia Aerospace Museum, where it hangs today in its bare metal configuration.">>>>>>>>>
Thanks very much to Peter Higgins, who sent this information on to us recently!
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BOOK RELEASE: Even though your first love may be the Six, who could deny that it was the predecessor F-102 Delta Dagger that provided not only important 'proof of concept' operational data, but provided vital 'stop-gap' air defense for the nation until the Six came into service. An excellent book by author Wayne Mutza was released in March (2000) from Schiffer Publishing Ltd. Titled " CONVAIR F-102 DELTA DAGGER", this softcover book features 192 pages of photographs and information about the venerable 'Deuce'. Over 530 b&w/color photos are included and each Deuce's history is traced in Mutza's book. ISBN is 0-7643-1062-3 and cost is $29.95. Contact Schiffer for details at their website: www.schifferbooks.com or email at Schifferbk@aol.com
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Historical reference & documentation: This is a reminder to anyone who is interested in the history of the F102 and F106 interceptors that both aircraft have now been covered beautifully, with great detail and many interesting photographs, bu WINGS OF FAME publications Volume 12 (F106 Delta Dart) and Volume 17 (F102 Delta Dagger). These volumes are both available for about $20 each through AIRtime Publishing, Inc. An even more recent book has just been released by the same company titled "CENTURY SERIES"; it contains detailed sectuions published previously on all of the 'Century Series' fighters, of which the Six was undoubtedly the culmination.
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For further developments or to simply get in touch with us, contact Christopher T. Carey, AEOLUS AEROSPACE, 5960 S. Land Park Drive, #341, Sacramento, CA 95822-3313 / tel/fax: (916) 391-8216. E-mail address is aeoluslifesupport@lanset.com. [Last update: 02 Mar 2004].
YOU MAY ALSO VISIT US AT OUR MAIN WEBSITE AT http://webs.lanset.com/aeolusaero .
For another F106 Delta Dart website that is without doubt the ultimate homage to this magnificent aircraft, key the link below to "PAT'S WORLD OF THE F106". You won't regret it!
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Copyright © 2001 Christopher T. Carey, AEOLUS AEROSPACE. All Rights Reserved.