F-102 Delta Dart in Action

One of the great engineering finds by US Army intelligence teams as World War II ended was the research of Dr. Alexander Lippisch. Lippisch had made significant advances in delta-wing aerodynamics and was responsible for the design of the Messerschmitt Me 163 Komet. While North American used captured aerodynamics from Messerschmitt to improve the XP-86 Sabre and Bell rebuilt another Messerscmitt design into the X-5, Convair was the recipient of Lippisch's work. The XP-92 was born.

Initially the XP-92A was a leap directly into Lippisch's vision, but wind tunnel testing revealed that more fundamental steps were needed and a rebuilt XP-92A was built and finally flown. While the aircraft looked fast, its performance was lackluster and it only exceeded the speed of sound in Chuck Yeager's hands - diving straight down in full afterburner.

The F-102 reflected further refinements in aerodynamics and engine technology. Convair's lessons learned in the aborted XP-92 program put them on the roadmap to developing the first series of true delta-winged fighters (Dassault's Mirage III/V family would come later). Even so, it still took a number of design iterations before Convair could loft the huge Hughes radar and a number of Falcon missiles and still fly supersonic. Despite a number of set-backs, the single-seat F-102A and two-seat F-102B Delta Darts would provide essential air defense service to the United States until its retirement in 1976.

Author Larry Davis has compiled a very nice array of photos of the venerable Delta Dart from its early days as a bare metal prototype, through its days in the active duty ranks wearing ADC Gray, through its final days in Gray or Southeast Asia camouflage in some ANG units.

As with every 'In Action' published to date, this title has a nice centerfold providing ten color profiles of various model F-102s in different periods of test or service.

This is a great reference for the modeler and aviation historian alike. Highly recommended!

My sincere thanks to Squadron/Signal Publications for this review sample!