Convair Deltas From SeaDart to Hustler Book Review

By David L. Veres

Review

If you missed Convair Deltas: From SeaDart To Hustler the first time around, grab the new softbound edition now!

Perhaps nothing symbolizes post-WWII aerospace progress than delta-wing designs.  And no company arguably embraced that concept more than Convair.

So suggests Bill Yenne's first-rate re-release from Specialty Press.  With nearly 400 photos and illustrations, this absorbing account recaps the remarkable tale in 216 pleasing pages.

True to the publisher's proven prescription, text sensibly starts with factors and forces driving delta-wing developments.  Coverage commences with early concepts and Convair history.  None other than Sergei Korolyov, future father of the Soviet manned space program, appears as an early proponent!

Running in roughly chronological fashion, subsequent chapters focus on individual Convair designs.  Sections on the pioneering XF-92, XFY-1 "Pogo", and XF2Y-1 "SeaDart" prototypes proved especially intriguing – and personal favorites.

I also enjoyed coverage of Convair's authentic Cold War icons – operational F-102 and F-106 interceptors.  Therein, among many fascinating facts, Yenne reveals the Delta Dagger's rather disappointing air-to-air combat record in U.S., Greek and Turkish service – one "kill" for two "losses".  Interesting!

Treatment concludes with six spellbinding chapters on the legendary B-58 "Hustler" – and two more on recent delta developments.  One minor gripe: I wish Yenne provided better annotations.

Still, I utterly enjoyed this captivating book.  Thank you, Specialty Press, for a ripping read!

Robustly recommended!

With thanks to Specialty Press for the review copy.