F-102A and F-101B weaponry

Good evening,

I know that this is a very old thread, but if you are still there I think I can help.

As stated above, the F-102A carried only the AIM-4A through AIM-4D models. The AIM-4E, F, and G-models were restricted solely to the F-106. Not only were they slightly larger, but they were made to run on a different aircraft voltage, and were not interchangeable with the older missiles mounted on the F-101B and F-102A.

The AIM-4E was the initial radar-guided version of this series of improved Falcon missiles. It is distinguished by a conical white radome. This soon gave way to the much improved AIM-4F, which had an ogival radome as well as an “aerospike” (for lack of anything else to call it) similar to what is seen on Trident missiles. I would have to go and look at the Standard Missile Characteristics for each missile, but am pretty sure that the AIM-4F had improved range, speed, and homing ability. The AIM-4G was, of course, the IR version, and is distinguished by all-aspect capability, although within a very limited engagement envelope when compared to, say, the AIM-9M.

Beginning in the early 1960s, some F-102A aircraft were modified to carry the new, SARH homing AIM-26A, armed with a sub-kiloton W54 warhead of 0.25kT yield. These aircraft had provision for 2.75-inch FFARs removed from the center bay doors to accomodate the larger diameter missiles. With this modification, these aircraft could carry either the normal complement of six AIM-4A/B/C/D missiles, OR two AIM-26 in the center bay with the lateral bays empty. Lacking the capability to carry the AIR-2A Genie, the provision of the AIM-26A gave the F-102A a front-hemisphere engagement capability against high-altitude supersonic targets that it had previously lacked, and allowed the relatively low-performance F-102A to remain effective in its role until its retirement in the early 1970s.

With regard to the F-101B, “standard” armament, in addition to the pair of AIR-2 rockets, was a pair of either radar-guided AIM-4A or IR-guided AIM-4C. With the development of the AIM-4D and its expanded engagement envelope when compared to older versions, this became the standard Falcon armament for the F-101B until its retirement in the mid-1980s. According to a SAGE controller that I have corresponded with, Ken Mock, the large turboprop engines of the Tu-95 Bear presented a huge heat signature that allowed effective engagement, even from the front hemisphere.

I know that this is late and know that posting on old threads is frowned upon, but hope this helps.

Ron Easley
Sacramento, CA