The Convair F-102 Delta Dagger was an interceptor aircraft built as part of the backbone of the United States Air Force’s (USAF) air defenses in the late 1950s. Entering service in 1956, its main purpose was to intercept invading Soviet bomber fleets. Designed and manufactured by Convair, approximately 1,000 F-102s were built.

The F-102 was the first operational supersonic interceptor and delta-wing fighter of the USAF. It used an internal weapons bay to carry both guided missiles and rockets. The F-102 replaced subsonic fighter types such as the Northrop F-89 Scorpion, and by the 1960s, it saw limited service in the Vietnam War in bomber escort and ground attack roles. It was supplemented by McDonnell F-101 Voodoos and, later, by McDonnel Douglas F-4 Phantom IIs. Many of the F-102s were transferred to United States Air National Guard duty by the mi-to-late 1960s, and the type was retired from operational service in 1976. The follow-on replacement was the Mach 2 Convair Delta Dart, which was an extensive redesign of the F-102.

The F-102A evolved from a design development effort which began in 1950, based upon data derived from the XF-92A built in 1948 by Consolidated-Vultee. The YF-102 made its initial flight in October 1953 at Edwards Air Force Base. Deficient performance required significant redesign, especially in the fuselage shape, which resulted in the area ruled “coke bottle” shape. The redesigned YF-102A flew again, successfully, in December 1954, which allowed production to proceed. The unofficial nickname for the aircraft was “The Deuce.”

The Museum’s F-102A was manufactured by General Dynamics, Convair Division in San Diego, CA in 1956. The aircraft saw service in Keflavik, Iceland and Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska before being turned over to the 115th Fighter Wing of the Wisconsin ANG and then retired to Kelly Air Force Base as a static display. The Museum acquired the aircraft through a loan agreement with Kelly Air Force Base.

After restoration, the aircraft was put on display at Gillespie Field in 2002. The aircraft’s paint scheme is in the markings of the Alaska Air Command, 317th Fighter Intercept Squadron of the 21st Wing, with a gray and white fuselage, black and dark blue lettering, and red empennage.

The San Diego Air & Space Museum’s Gillespie Field Annex in El Cajon, California is open to the public Wednesdays through Sundays from 9 am to 4 pm. The Gillespie Field location is located at 335 Kenney Street, El Cajon, CA 92020. For more information, visit: https://sandiegoairandspace.org/visit/gillespie-field-annex