The F-106X (Model 8-28/8-29) was a 1956 design study for a Delta Dart follow-on. This study envisaged an interceptor with a canard layout that was powered by a JT4B-22 turbojet fed by rectangular air intakes. It was envisaged as an alternative to the Lockheed YF-12, and was to have had a fire control system with “look-down, shoot-down” capability fed by a 40-inch radar dish. The F-106X project was extremely advanced for its time–some references state that a Mach 5 performance was envisaged. However, this is probably vastly over-optimistic. Mach 3 is probably more like it–although still advanced for the time.
The project was later redesignated F-106C/D, with C being the single-seat version, the D being the two-seat version. At one time the Air Force had considered acquiring 350 of these advanced interceptors, but the F-106C/D project was cancelled on September 23, 1958.
While contemplating the cancellation of the Avro Arrow project, the Canadian government briefly considered the possibility of purchasing the F-106C/D. However, the USAF cancelled the F-106C/D before this idea could be pursued any further. After the eventual cancellation of the Arrow program in February of 1959, the Canadian government decided to acquire the CF-101 Voodoo instead.
Following the cancellation of the Model 8-28/29 project, two production F-106As (57-239 and 57-240) were modified to test the new radar housing with a five-foot nose extension. They were redesignated F-106C. Only 57-239 actually flew, and made ten flights with this new nose in 1959. The plane was later destroyed in fatigue tests. 57-240 eventually reverted to standard F-106A configuration.
Sources:
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United States Military Aircraft Since 1909, Gordon Swanborough and
Peter M. Bowers, Smithsonian, 1989.
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The American Fighter, Enzo Angelucci and Peter Bowers, Orion, 1987.
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Fighters of the United States Air Force, Robert F. Dorr and
David Donald, Temple Press Aerospace, 1990.
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American Combat Planes, Third Enlarged Edition, Ray Wagner, Doubleday,
1982.
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Post-World War II Fighters, 1945-1973, Marcelle Size Knaack,
Office of Air Force History, 1986.
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General Dynamics Aircraft and their Predecessors, John Wegg, Naval
Institute Press, Naval Institute Press, 1990.
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Convair F-106 Delta Dart, Robert F. Dorr, Wings of Fame, Vol 12, 1998
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E-mail from Martin Keenan on Canadian consideration of F-106C/D.
- E-mail from Brad Tyler on a Mach 5 performance being overly optimistic.
