F-106A 56-0451, well covered in canvas, is shown as it arrives Edward AFB, CA in mid-December 1957 by truck in prep for its maiden flight. There was no fanfare. Airplane was accompanied by a security detail from San Diego.
Johnson, Convair chief engineering test pilot at Edwards Air Force Base, rolled the delta wing interceptor onto the long east-west runway at the Air Force Flight Test Center (AFFTC) shortly after 2:40 p.p.. Without afterburner, he cleared the runways at 2:50 p.m. and picked up his "convoy". The convoy consisted of a TF-102A and T-33. The T-33 contained Bill Carter, Convair San Diego movie photographer.