Convair Deltas: From SeaDart to Hustler
By Chris Banyai-Riepl
Author: Bill Yenne
Publisher: Specialty Press
ISBN: 978-1-5800723-1-1
Binding: Softcover
Pages: 216
Delta-winged aircraft are some of the most attractive aircraft out there, with their simple lines and clean shapes. However, only a handful of manufacturers have tackled these designs, and only Dassault and Convair have produced delta-winged aircraft in great numbers. This latest from Specialty Press examines those Convair Deltas in detail, from the XF-92 to the F-106, and is a reprint from their earlier hardcover edition.
The book is broken down by aircraft types, roughly. Following an initial section that introduces Convair and delta wing aircraft, the book begins with the prototype delta aircraft, the XF-92. This is followed by the F-102, which takes up four chapters, including on the F-102 at war. Following the F-102 comes two interesting subjects that never went beyond prototype stage: the XFY-1 Pogo and the F2Y-1 Sea Dart. Both of these aircraft are interesting designs, and these chapters make for some interesting reading.
The F-106 is covered next, and like the F-102 it gets several chapters. While the F-106 never saw combat, it did serve a long career. The coverage in this book is quite good, following the F-106 from its development through to its final operations in the mid-1980s. After the F-106, the final aircraft presented here is the B-58 Hustler. Like the F-102 and F-106, the B-58 saw operational service, which results in several chapters as well.
Throughout the book are copious photographs and drawings that help illustrate the aircraft. Many of these photos are of very high quality, which will be of great use to the modeler. A comprehensive bibliography provides a great reading list for those who want to examine these subjects in more detail. Overall, this is an excellent book that covers the Convair Deltas quite well, and the softcover price of $32.95 makes it affordable as well. My thanks to Specialty Press for the review copy.