After several abortive projects for upgraded versions of the F-106 Delta Dart, General Dynamics proposed a factory rebuild/upgrade to address all the negative aspects of the F-106 while preserving the excellent qualities of the interceptor. Designated F-106G, the project was referred to as Dart 2000 because of the anticipated in service entry date of late 1999 or early 2000.
I am aware that such an upgrade would have been superfluous with the F-16 and F-15 in service. But the F-106 has always been one of my favorite aircraft and I've often imagined a modernized version, so here we go!
Below are the plans I currently have in hand:
1. Replace the F-106's J75 with an F-110, being 1/3 lighter, but with greater maximum thrust and better fuel consumption, plus easier maintenance.
2. Replace F-106 lateral intakes with more modern, variable ramp inlets shaped like those of the F-15.
3. Replace the F-106's missile bay with a permanent M61A1 20mm cannon mount, plus additional internal fuel and avionics space.
4. Replace the MA-1 fire-control system with the APG-63 fit of the F-15.
5. A new, glass cockpit; new canopy and redesigned forward fuselage.
6. New missile armament of 4x AIM-4 or AMRAAM in semi-recessed fuselage mountings, plus 2x AIM-9 on cropped wingtips, plus up to four more on underwing mountings.
7. Various ECM/ECCM upgrades (bumps and antennae).
I will be using the Hasegawa F-106A kit in 1:72, plus various other bits I will point out along the way. Photos will be coming.
Chuck