Hobby Master 1/72 HA3606 Convair F-106A Delta Dart BuNo 60453, 49th FIS, Griffiss AFB, New York 1986
The Convair F-106 Delta Dart began as an advanced version of the F-102 but because of so many modifications and design changes it became a new aircraft with its own designation. It was designed as a missile carrying all-weather interceptor against Soviet bombers and served in this role from the 1960s until the 1980s. The F-106A as well as the F-106B two-seat trainer served with 15 fighter interceptor squadrons starting in 1959. The aircraft was rarely referred to as the Delta Dart but was commonly called the “6”.
Convair F-106A 56-0453 was the third F-106 produced in the San Diego plant and delivered to the USAF on September 30, 1957 as 60453. It was retained by Convair for various testing until August 1961 then released to the 318th FIS, 325th FW, McChord AFB, Washington. For the next 21 years the aircraft was shifted several times between the 318th FIS, the 48th FIS, ADWC at Tyndall AFB, Florida before reaching the 49th FIS at Grifiss AFB, New York. In 1987 60453 was sent to storage and was destroyed in 1995.