Hobby Master HA3604 F-106A Delta Dart Montana Air National Guard

Hobby Master HA3604 F-106A Delta Dart 57-2456 186th FIS, 120th FIG, Montana Air National Guard, Great Falls, Montana 1970s.

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”.

In 1953 the 186th Fighter Squadron was re-designated the 186th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron subordinate to the 120th Fighter-Interceptor Wing until it was re-designated the 120th Fighter Interceptor Group in 1972 with the arrival of the F-106s. F106 57-2456 was produced in March 1959.  It was with the 120th FIS from June 16 1978 until May 4 1987 when it was sent to Davis Monthan AFB AZ for storage FN139. March 12 1992 it was converted to a drone. June 3 1992 it was moved to Tyndall AFB FL as QF-106 drone S/N AD189. July 21 1994 it was shot down on1st NULLO  (Not Under Live Local Operation) ++by an AIM-7M.