Dubya flew the F-102, the first production supersonic jet aircaft in the U.S. Military. How do I know this, you say. My father flew 102's in Bitburg German in the late 1950's. His squadron would go up against Chuck Yeager's Squadron in Tripoli in ACM traning. Also, one of my dad's squadron newsletters once traced where their aircraft went, and at least three went to Texas.
Intersting note about the F-102. Even though it was the first supersonic fighter in the inventory, there is not an example on display in the Smithsonian, only a three foot model which displays the coke bottle fuselage.
Convair F-102 Delta Dagger
http://www.wpafb.af.mil/museum/research/fighter/f102.htm The F-102 was the world's first supersonic all-weather jet interceptor and the USAF's first operational delta-wing aircraft. Its primary mission was to intercept and destroy enemy aircraft. In a wartime situation, its electronic equipment would locate an enemy aircraft, then radar would guide the plane into position attack. Then, electronic fire control system would automatically fire the F-102's air-to-air rockets and missiles. Gee Ma, no hands!
The F-102 made its initial flight on Oct. 24, 1953 and became operational with the Air Defense Command in 1956. At the peak of deployment in the late 1950's, 25 ADC squadrons were equipped with them. Convair built 1,000 F-102s, 875 of which were F-102As. The USAF also bought 111 TF-102s as combat trainers with side-by-side seating.
I know I know, AW Mac will now post, "Perk the F-102"
My guess is that the Viking Pilot is the best they got. "Ok 3 Wire"is my prediction and I heard on CNN that as soon as he traps, Dubya wants to get a cat shot and go around again!
Can you say FUN!
