Loaded for Bear: F-106 Delta Dart

In this episode of 10 Percent True, we sit down with retired U.S. Air Force pilot Fred Knowles, whose career spanned two of the most unique fighters in American service: the supersonic F-106 Delta Dart and the rugged A-10 Thunderbolt II.

Fred shares vivid stories of flying the T-33 and F-106 in Air Defense Command—intercepting Soviet Tu-95 “Bear” bombers, training with nuclear-tipped Genie missiles, and living the culture of the Cold War interceptor community. He also reflects on the transition out of the 106 era and into the A-10, previewing his later adventures in Alaska.

If you’re fascinated by Cold War air defense, the legendary “Six,” or the unique blend of speed and firepower that defined this era of fighter aviation, you won’t want to miss this conversation.

👉 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to catch Part 2, where Fred takes us into the world of the A-10.

0:00 intro teaser
1:22 Welcome Fred and thanks Rob!
2:18 Fred’s background and career summary
5:10 T-33s! (Including intro story)
12:40 any romanticism or nostalgia at that time for the T-33 as it neared its end of service?
14:50 navigation?
16:50 a brief Russian aside
18:15 learning the threat as well as intercept techniques?
21:15 was there any f-106 indoctrination while flying the T-33?
23:06 what determined the step from T-33 to F-106?
26:09 (aircraft) aspirations from the start?
28:04 describing the F-106 (a busy aircraft!)
35:40 exploring performance further, any BFM?
40:42 AIM-4s, Genie and eye patches
47:55 security surrounding the Genie?
51:00 considering the moral question/envisaging executing the (nuclear) mission?
52:55 when would Genie be loaded?
53:50 describing the mission
59:40 anticipation of comm jamming and autonomy?
1:02:25 the datalink - being flown
1:05:45 any encryption/protection of signals?
1:06:45 IRST imagery?
1:08:48 EMCON Tactics or just get out there and shoot and “Fox4”
1:11:14 Bear intercepts
1:14:40 IFF and navigation?
1:17:30 switchology
1:22:35 enjoyable time? (Flying the 106)
1:26:20 the transition to Eagle and knowing your not going…..
1:30:08 ADC culture?
1:32:32 “learning at the bar”
1:34:40 scary moments?
1:39:28 leaving the F-106 - the emotional impact?