After almost 32 years of Government Service with the USAF and the FAA, I retired in 2004. 12 years Active Duty with one break and Two years Active Reserves, I served in Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia and Ten CONUS assignments as a Jet Engine mechanic (B52's and KC135's) an Air Traffic Controller ( Tower/ Radar and the MOB) and an Airfield Management Specialist (Reserves) and I can say I enjoyed all of them. I just enjoyed some more than others! I left the Air Force in 1984 when the FAA gave me an offer I couldn't refuse. I spent two more with the Air Force Reserve at Greater Pitt. After 30 years of telling pilots where to go, I hung up my headset and now I watch my 16 year old son grow up. And Yes he wants to be an Air Force Fighter Pilot. He's a Plane nut just like his dad!
Other Comments:
The Aircraft in this profile I either worked on as a mechanic, or controlled as an Air Traffic Controller in the US Air Force or the FAA. Some have interesting stories if you click on the photo.
Was working one of these guys at Patrick in 79. Aircraft from the New York ANG. Wanted a high speed low pass with a max climb afterwards. Came down the runway, kicked it straight up and both wing drop tanks ripped of the wings. The "Boys from Syracuse" had to leave this dart behind!. Took about two months to get it fixed.
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F-106 Delta Dart Details
Aircraft/Missile Information
Model Convair F-106A Delta Dart Length 70.70 ft | 21.55 m Width 38.29 ft | 11.67 m Height 20.28 ft | 6.18 m Engine(s) 1 x Pratt & Whitney J75-P-17 turbojet engine generating 24,500lbs thrust with afterburner. Empty Weight 24,859 lbs | 11,276 kg MTOW 41,831 lbs | 18,974 kg Max Speed 1,487 mph | 2,393 km/h | 1,292 kts Max Range 1,950 miles | 3,138 km Ceiling 58,005 ft | 17,680 m | 11.0 miles Climb Rate 30,000 ft/min (9,144 m/min) Hardpoints 4 Armament 1 x 20mm cannon
Mission specific armament may include:
2 x AIR-2A Genie Nuclear Rockets 4 x AIM-4 Falcon Air-to-Air Missiles Accommodations 1
Major Variants
* YF-102 - Single Delta Dagger prototype * YF-102A - Redesigned airframe * F-102A - Single seat interceptor * TF-102A - Two-seat trainer * F-102B - Redesignated to F-106 * YF-106A - Two prototypes produced * F-106A - Single seat interceptor * F-106B - Two-seat trainer variant
