A quite useful look at the “Deuce” – the USAF’s first true supersonic interceptor, and the first operational USAF delta-wing type.The whole series of Convair’s deltas sprang from the XF-92, and the book’s introduction details the history of this demonstrator aircraft. There are three photos; one of the original XP-92 design with provision for a prone pilot, and two of the more conventional XF-92 demonstrator that actually flew. The development of the Deuce was a protracted affair, as the original concept of simply scaling up the XF-92 did not produce a supersonic aircraft. There are several photos of the original prototype. Next up is the evolution to the service test YF-102 (illustrated by side-view drawings) – and finally there is the longer and area-ruled YF-102A, which finally achieved supersonic flight.
Some highlights:
Coverage of the first operational “short tail” F-102As includes the 327th FIS at George AFB and an aircraft from the Air Proving Ground.
*Large photo of the 327th FIS commander’s aircraft.
* Sequence of photos showing an AIM-4 launch
* A pair of cockpit photos
Ten color profiles, including:
YF-102A at first flight
57th FIS aircraft
496th FIS at Hahn AB
327th FIS commander’s aircraft
27th FIS Griffiss AFB
509th FIS camoflaged aircraft at Udorn
TF-102 of the 32nd FIS
TF-102 of the Air Defense Weapons Center at Tyndall AFB
TF-102 of the Greek Air Force
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JF-102A with J85 engine in the weapons bay
First QF-102 drone in an all-white scheme
Greek F-102A
F-102 Further Reading
Photos (2): “TF-102A: Trainer Interceptor” Aviation Week October 17, 1955 p.109
“Dummy Tests on Sled Mockup of Convair’s F-102” Aviation Week December 26, 1955 p.22-23 eight photos.
“Classic Kits: Revell’s F-102 Delta Dagger” FineScale Modeler May 1990 p.33
Photo:TF-102 41353 “TC-453” at Fox Field, California. Air Classics March 1994 p.81
Photo: PQM-102A 56-1640 in SEA camo “The History of the U.S. Air Force” David Anderton, p.242
Lloyd S. Jones U.S. Fighters: Army-Air Force 1925 to 1980s p.272-274 Includes an F-102A 3-view.