Editing Convair F-106 Delta Dart (section)

===Flight testing===
On 26 December 1956, the first prototype F-106, an aerodynamic test bed, performed its [[maiden flight]] from [[Edwards Air Force Base]]. On 26 February 1957, the second prototype, which was outfitted with a fuller set of equipment, made its first flight.<ref name="Peacock p200">Peacock 1986, p. 200.</ref><ref name="knaack p209"/> Early flight testing around the end of 1956 and beginning of 1957 demonstrated somewhat disappointing results, having achieved less of a performance gain over the F-102 than had been anticipated. Specifically, both the acceleration and maximum speed were beneath Convair's own estimates.<ref name="knaack p210">Knaack 1978, p. 210.</ref> Furthermore, both the engine and avionics proved to be somewhat unreliable.<ref name="knaack p211">Knaack 1978, p. 211.</ref> These combined problems, and the delays associated with them, were nearly responsible for the termination of the program.<ref name="Peacock p200"/><ref>Wegg 1990, p. 209.</ref>

However, the service decided to persist with the F-106 program after the Air Defense Command had heavily advocated for it.<ref name="knaack p211212">Knaack 1978, pp. 211-212.</ref> Based upon the test data submitted, USAF officials had determined that modifications to the inlet duct cowling and charging ejectors were likely to increase both acceleration and speed; modifications would be made following the completion of Category II testing and were evaluated during Category III testing.<ref name="knaack p210"/> At this stage, the service enacted several measures to hasten development towards production; in April 1957, it authorized the conditional acceptance of several F-106s being used by Convair for flight testing; it also took several quick decisions to settle outstanding development questions.<ref name="knaack p210211">Knaack 1978, pp. 210-211.</ref> By mid-1957, funding for 120 F-106As had been allocated.<ref name="knaack p212">Knaack 1978, p. 212.</ref> The USAF ultimately opted to order 350 F-106s, substantially fewer than the planned fleet of 1,000 aircraft. Deliveries of the single-seat F-106A and the twin-seat F-106B combat-capable trainer variant commenced to 15 fighter interceptor squadrons in October 1959.<ref>Green 1964, p. 138.</ref><ref name="knaack p212"/>