F-106 DELTA DART

As the B-1B Lancer Supersonic bombers began coming off the assembly line at the Rockwell International Plant 42 in Palmdale CA, the detachment 15 of the Contract Management Division of the AF Systems Command stood up to support the acceptance test flight program.  In Mar 1986 the F-106 was selected as the photos and safety chase plane due to its endurance and high speed, and availability.  This after the F-111, F-4 and T-38 were either unavailable or deemed unworthy of the mission.  The first F-106B model, 57-2513 from Kelly AFB TX, arrived at Palmdale on 18 Oct 1986. Last to depart was F-106A 59-0061 on 06 July 1990 to AMARC.

Eight F-106's were assigned between 10 Oct 1986 and 06 July 1990, half were stationed in Palmdale and the other at Kirkland AFB NM.  Chase flights were also flown out of Tinker AFB OK, the B-1B depot.  It took two F-106's to chase one B-1 acceptance flight, even with the 360 external fuel tanks.

Several versions of tail flash markings were used throughout the duration of the program.  You can see them here in the Photo Gallery.  The last used tail flash of the silhouettes of an F-106 and a B-1 was designed by crew chief Jerry Roth, a distinctive eye catching tail flash. Chase flights were also flown out of Tinker AFB OK, the B-1B depot.