F-106A Delta Dart

The F-106 was originally designated the F-102B, as it was considered merely an upgrade over the earlier "Century Series" interceptor, but the USAF recognized that it was practically a new aircraft and redesignated it, earning the Delta Dart the simple nickname "Six." The F-106 solved all of the problems of the earlier F-102, with vastly improved performance and ease of handling. Its revolutionary MA-1 fire control system needed continual tweaking, but other than that, the aircraft proved quite successful in USAF service, after some initial teething problems. It entered service in 1959, and would not be withdrawn until 1988 in favor of F-15s and F-16s.

This particular F-106 is from a fictional USAF Air Defense Command squadron of the early 1980s. ADC F-106s were far more colorful than other USAF commands, and this scheme reflects that, though it wears typical F-106 colors of overall ADC light gray. Since the F-106 carried all of its weapons internally, none can be seen here, but internal armament consisted of radar-guided and infrared AIM-4 Falcon missiles, and occasionally nuclear-tipped AIR-2 Genies. This particular F-106 is a later upgraded version, with a single-piece canopy and "Six-Shooter" gun package (a M61 Vulcan 20mm gatling cannon in the internal weapons bay). The 1980s briefly saw a resurgence in USAF nose art; this aircraft carries the name "The Huntress."

This was built from the 1/48 Monogram F-106 kit.