In the 1950s, during the Cold War, supersonic flight was a relatively new technology. The US was experimenting with different aircraft configurations to find the most effective designs. These aircraft were results of that experimentation and represented state-of-the-art technology during their time.
F-102 Delta Dagger:
The F-102 Delta Dagger was designed with triangle-shaped (Delta) wings and was the world’s first all-weather jet interceptor designed to intercept and destroy enemy aircraft. It was also the first fighter jet to maintain supersonic speed in level flight, mostly because the area rule was incorporated into its design, reducing aerodynamic drag. Former President George W. Bush flew the Delta Dagger while in the Texas Air National Guard.
F-101 Voodoo:
The F-101 Voodoo was designed with a T Tail as a bomber escort (penetration fighter), but saw more action as a fighter and reconnaissance craft. The Voodoo was the first supersonic photo-reconnaissance aircraft, and it was used widely for low-altitude photo coverage of missile sites during the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis and during the late 1960s in Southeast Asia.
Regulus Cruise Missile:
The Regulus was a descendant of the German V-1 rocket used to bomb London during WWII. This was the first cruise missile in US inventory. The wing was hinged so that it could be launched from submarines and aircraft carriers. Regulus had a range of 500 miles and could deliver a two megaton thermonuclear device. It was in use between 1951 and 1966 when it was replaced by the Polaris Missile System.
