Convair TF-102A-41-CO (S/N 56-2339) of the 182nd Fighter Interceptor Squadron, Texas Air National Guard, Kelly Air Force Base, Texas, on May 1, 1965. F-102A (S/N 56-1481) is in the background. (U.S. Air Force photo)
Formation takeoff of Convair TF-102A (S/N 56-2332) of the 317th FIS, Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, and an F-102A on May 17, 1969. (U.S. Air Force photo)
From T.O. 1F-102A-1 - The TF-102A is a two-place, side-by-side trainer version of the F-102A and is designed for combat use, if conditions make such use necessary. The airplane is equipped with a radar fire control system and is powered by a J57-P-23 axial-flow turbojet engine with afterburner. The airplane is characterized by a large 60-degree delta wing and the absence of a conventional empennage. Later aircraft (S/N 56-2336 and on) are equipped with a modified wing (Case XX wing) which produces greater lift and increases performance. The Case XX wing may be distinguished from the wing on earlier airplanes (Case X wing) by the droop at the wing-tip. The delta wing is equipped with "elevons" which provide combination aileron and elevator action from conventional cockpit controls. All control surfaces are hydraulically actuated and incorporate and artificial feel system. The airplane is equipped with a pressurized cockpit and contains two ejection seats. Tricycle landing gear is utilized for takeoff and landing. The aft fuselage mounted speed brakes also serve as compartment doors for a drag chute. The six integral wing tanks are serviced by a single-point pressure refueling system and fuel usage is sequenced automatically to maintain desirable center of gravity.
Type
Number built/
converted
Remarks
TF-102A
111
Dual-cockpit trainer
TECHNICAL NOTES (TF-102A from T.O. 1F-102A-1): Weight: 28,978 lbs. to 32,104 lbs. based on various mission loading conditions Armament: 24 unguided 2.75-inch rockets and six guided missiles Engine: One Pratt & Whitney J57-P-23A of 10,200 lbs. thrust at military power and 16,000 lbs. thrust with afterburner Maximum speed: 646 mph at 38,000 ft. Cruising speed: 452 knots (.79 true Mach number) at 40,000 ft. clean configuration on optimum maximum endurance profile Range: Approx. 1,350 nautical miles using cruise-climb profile, two 230-gal. external drop tanks (dropped when empty), initial: 35,000 ft. final: 41,000 ft. at 32,104 lb. takeoff gross weight. at .80 Mach (460 knots TAS) in 3 hours with 15 minute time-to-climb allowance; (1,250 nm. in 2 hrs. 45 min. with 230 ext. tanks not dropped when empty or 960 nm. in 2 hrs. 7 min. with no ext. tanks) Service ceiling: 55,000 ft. Span: 38 ft. 1.6 in. Length: 63 ft. 4.3 in. (including pitot boom) Height: 21 ft. 2.25 in. Tread: 14 ft. 2.25 in. Crew: Two
