Convair F-106E

[madison]

In the mid-1970s, with the F-15 program suffering serious production delays, the USAF contracted Convair to convert 60 low-hour F-106As to the F-106E configuration as an interim solution until sufficient numbers of F-15s became available.
The F-106E had its internal weapons bay deleted, with the space used for additional fuel, avionics, and an M61A1 Vulcan cannon. The original J75 turbojet was replaced by a Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-100 turbofan, common to the F-15. Although the F100 produced slightly less maximum thrust than the J75, it was considerably lighter, resulting in an improved engine thrust-to-weight ratio.
The avionics and cockpit were extensively updated. A new pulse-Doppler radar compatible with the AIM-7 Sparrow was fitted, while the cockpit received a new ejection seat and a head-up display (HUD). The original retractable infrared seeker ahead of the cockpit was replaced by a fixed infrared search and track (IRST) sensor mounted under the nose.
New underwing pylons allowed the F-106E to carry AIM-7 Sparrow and AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles. Radar warning receivers were also added for self-defense, and an AN/ALQ-100 deception jammer could be carried in an external fairing on the starboard side of the fuselage. To maintain adequate directional stability with the increased external stores, a pair of ventral strakes was added to the rear fuselage.
Conversion of all 60 aircraft was completed within three years, and the F-106Es were assigned to the 33rd TFW at Eglin AFB. They remained in service until 1991, when they were finally retired in the aftermath of the Gulf War.
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Of course, none of this actually happened! 🤣🤣🤣
My what-if F-106E is based on the old Hasegawa 1/72 F-106A kit. It was brush-painted, mostly with Vallejo acrylics. It was a fun project.
Thanks for looking!

[madison]

Additional photos.

[sandiego89]

Fantastic!  The Six, developed as a pure interceptor, turned out to be a pretty good fighter and surprised more than a few opponents during exercises.

Well done.  Looks great with the pylons and stores. 

[Dizzyfugu]

Nice. I always wondered how a late F-106 in Hill or air superiority livery would look like. Elegant, I like it! 

[kitbasher]

Yes, very elegant.

[PR19_Kit]

That works superbly, and the backstory's very plausible too.