Convair's superb F-106 Delta Dart is regarded by those close to it as the best all-weather interceptor ever designed. It was created as an outgrowth of the USAF's interceptor program in 1954. The aircraft used a delta wing design, common at the time because of its immunity to many of the problems experienced by convential wings at supersonic speeds. In December, 1959 the aircraft set a world speed record of Mach 2.31 (1,526 mph) at 40,500 feet. It was equipped with advanced Hughes fire-control systems and could be controlled from the ground to some extent. The aircraft remained in service for 28 years, ultimately being replaced by the F-15 in 1981 but serving with the Air National Guard until 1988. The last unmanned Delta Dart drone was destroyed in 1998.
** FS2004 and FSX only **
Features
includes both single seater AND 2-seater versions :
F-106A Montana ANG 1971, 186th FIS, Great Falls, Montana
F-106A 87th FIS, K.I. Sawyer AFB, Michigan 1972
F-106A 48th FIS, Langley AFB, Virginia 1970
F-106B California ANG 1981, 194th FIS
F-106B Florida ANG 1980, 159th FIS
F-106B Air Defense Weapons Center, Tyndall AFB 1972
full FSX model with all FSX features (bump mapping, self-shadowing, bloom etc)
FSX model includes V-C self-shadowing (effect requires FSX SP2/Accel, Vista, DX10)
authentic virtual cockpit with animations and mousable controls
SIX different texture sets
FSX version has working radar system, capable of tracking unlimited targets and providing ID, aircraft type, heading and altitude. Several range settings and dimmer provided, available in v-c and on 2D panel as icon pop-up panel
animated extendable missile racks in bomb bay with 4 x AIM-4G Falcons
animated extendable drag chute, works on F2 reverse thrust or clickable handle in v-c
authentic all-xml 2D panel, hi-res glazed-effect gauges, custom pop-ups for autopilot, electrical systems and radios, fully mousable
detailed checklist and accurate flight model
custom effects for turbine glow (3-stage), smoke (startup & in-flight), wingtip contrails and wing surface vapour 'flash'
high quality soundset included
togglable realistic pilot figures
animated canopy, tailhook, speedbrakes, bomb bay doors
like all delta airplanes, landing is the hard part of a F 106 flight. You can reach Mach 2 or more but it will take time compared to modern fighters. We must remember this plane was designed in the late 50's and it broke many records then. In fact it must be compared to the F 102 to appreciate its performances. The Virtavia model is very good and gives a good idea of what flying a supersonic plane was like then.