• Date: 1974

• Location: Near Marquette, Michigan

• Coordinates: N 46° 31.710 W 087° 23.275

Aircraft Description

Model: Convair F-106 Delta Dart

• Type: Supersonic Interceptor Aircraft

• Role: Designed for air defense and high-speed interception missions during the Cold War.

• Service: Operated by the United States Air Force (USAF) from the 1960s to the 1980s.

Key Features of the F-106 Delta Dart:

1. Performance:

• Speed: Capable of Mach 2+ (twice the speed of sound).

• Engine: Powered by a Pratt & Whitney J75 turbojet engine.

2. Design:

• Wing Configuration: Delta wing for high-speed performance and stability.

• Tail Fin: Large vertical stabilizer for aerodynamic efficiency at supersonic speeds.

3. Armament:

• Equipped with air-to-air missiles, including AIM-4 Falcon and AIR-2 Genie nuclear-tipped missiles.

• Initially had a 20 mm M61 Vulcan cannon but later relied entirely on missile armament.

4. Radar and Avionics:

• Advanced Hughes MA-1 radar system integrated with the Semi-Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) for precise targeting.

5. Special Features:

• Unique area-rule fuselage design to reduce drag at supersonic speeds.

• Single-seat cockpit with ejection capability for pilot safety.

Crash Summary

In 1974, the F-106 Delta Dart crashed near Marquette, Michigan, in the Great Lakes region. Details surrounding the crash are sparse, but such incidents were not uncommon given the rigorous training missions and challenging weather conditions over the Great Lakes. Mechanical failure, pilot error, or environmental factors may have contributed to the loss of the aircraft.

The site near Marquette may still contain fragments of the wreckage, though no widespread recovery effort or memorial is noted. Military crashes often remain sensitive sites due to their association with classified technologies or the potential loss of life.

Legacy and Significance

The F-106 Delta Dart was a cornerstone of U.S. air defense during the Cold War, demonstrating remarkable advancements in aviation technology. Its role in protecting U.S. airspace from potential threats was critical, and its crashes, while tragic, highlight the inherent risks of high-speed aviation and the dedication of the pilots who flew them.

For further details on the crash or to verify the site, local aviation enthusiasts, historical records, and military archives might provide additional context.