F-106 DELTA DART

The F-106 uses a Hughes MA-1 electronic guidance and fire control system. After takeoff, the MA-1 can be given control of the aircraft to fly it to the proper altitude and attack position. Then it can fire the Genie and Falcon missiles, break off the attack run, and return the aircraft to the vicinity of its base. The pilot takes control again for the landing. First flew on Dec. 26, 1956. (b/w), Graphic courtesy of NASA

F-104A Starfighter

F-104A are designed for cruise at high subsonic speeds and combat at high supersonic speeds. Notable features of the aircraft include extremely thin flight surfaces, short straight wings with negative dihedral, irreversible hydraulically powered ailerons, and a controllable horizontal stabilizer.(b/w), Graphic courtesy of NASA. The first flight was on 5 March 1954.(b/w), Graphic courtesy of NASA

F-100 Super Sabre

The F-100 made its combat debut during the Vietnam conflict where it was assigned the task of attacking such targets as bridges, river barges, road junctions, and areas being used by infiltrating enemy soldiers.It made its initial flight on May 25, 1953. (b/w), Graphic courtesy of NASA

F-89 Scorpion

F-89, was a twin-engine, all-weather fighter-interceptor designed to locate, intercept, and destroy enemy aircraft by day or night under all types of weather conditions. The first F-89 made its initial flight in August 1948. (b/w), Graphic courtesy of NASA

F-16XL

1980's--F-16XL's were built as conversions from Full Scale Development (FSD) aircraft. The number 1 aircraft (S/N 75-0749) was a single seat version while number 2 (S/N 75-0747) was a two-seat version. Cranked Arrow wing. F-16XL was modified for test work with NASA for studies on supersonic laminar flow and sonic boom research (in conjuction with an SR-71). (b/w), Graphic courtesy of NASA

F-16A Fighting Falcon

The F-16A evolved from a 1972 USAF Lightweight Fighter (LWF) prototype program which sought a small, lightweight, low cost, air superiority day fighter designed for high performance and ease of maintenance. (b/w), Graphic courtesy of NASA