Squat switches didn't have to be by-passed simulating Gear-up for ground de-fueling ops
By Joe Sylvia, Retired GD/Convair Field Service Engineer
From the F-106 Forums on 13 Jun 2012

The "F" Tank was not gravity fed, it was pressurized at 13 PSI. The "T" Tanks were presurrized at 17 PSI and the Wing Tanks were pressurized at 4.5 PSI.
The "F" Tank had 244 Gallons of usable fuel. 60 gallons was initially consumed, remaining 184 gallons was retained for an AFT Transfer to the "T" Tanks.

At altitude 13,500 + or_500 ft. Mach 1.19 the the "F" Tank fuel would transfer Aft to the "T" Tanks in 20-25 seconds. Loss of one of these elements would atomatically transfer this same Fuel forward. The left console had a 3 position Fuel switch. AUTO, OFF and spring loaded TEST. In the Test position the "F" transfered AFT irrespective of the above conditions. Some Pilots apparently used this Test position in ACT/ACM for rapid "G" onset. They asked me to install a red guard cover over the switch so they wouldn't have to hold the switch. I said if you accidently pranged the A/C how would I explain who authorized the Red Guard. End of subject!

One thing of interest was the Supersonic Tanks were good all the way to Mach 2. That was an FCF requirement by the TCTO after the Tank installation.
--- Joe Sylvia

AIR TO AIR REFUELING KIT PROOFING
By Joe Sylvia, Retired GD/Convair Field Service Engineer
22 Jan 2015

When we did the Air to Air Refueling Kit Proofing at McClellan, AFB we did it on the Proto Type A/C that was accomplished at San Antonio, TX. It was flown in from Kelly, AFB with all its raw installation of the A-A installation. Its purpose was to prove that it would work on the F-106. I had several Engineers and Tech Writers because we Kit Proofed an A Model and a B Model simultaneously. In addition to the GD/ Convair personnel we had Engineers and writers from Kelly AFB.

Some areas under the Pan assembly were so wide open Kelly just filled the gaps with Mil-S-8802 Sealant. Again this was just to prove the feasibility of the modification.

So now with the Kit proofing we had to undo this installation and design an installation that is compatible good engineering principals. All this took time and effort which turned out magnificent. We GD/Convair and Kelly would meet each evening to decide who pay for the required changes. Example: Stan Bering from Convair called me at home and questioned why Kelly AFB was paying for this expensive change. I told we (Convair Personnel) insisted that it was our responsibility but Kelly, personnel persisted it was there responsibility. I told Stan look at it this way except what we send you because in the long run it will even out. He agreed!

Now comes the gritty part, when everything was assembled we had to do a water check to make sure the structure didn’t leak fuel into the Hot Refrigeration Compartment. Well we all observed the installation and everything looked great except during the leak check water did leak into the Refrig Area. In fact, about the eight time I said I’m confident this it will work I climbed into the Refrig compartment with my white shirt and tie. They pressurized the water and everything looked real good except when I opened my mouth say its good, here comes the water---I got a good dowsing.

This repeat performance when on to about 13 times. This is when I believe it was Hugo Stein said looks like we’ll have to cancel this Mod. I said wait until I call Convair before you make your decision. I called Stan Berling and he said I’ll get back to you shortly. He called back and said—I don’t remember the man’s name---will be coming up on PSA flight arriving in Sacramento this afternoon around 4 PM with only a shaving Kit.

I picked him up and explained what was happening and then asked if he wanted to get a Motel room first and he said no lets go to the A/C first I think I know what’s the problem. We did that and he told them to disassemble the structure but don’t paint the bare metal with Zinc Chromate paint. At the time Zinc Chromate was used throughout the Aircraft industry as a corrosion preventative.

I picked him up the next morning and he applied a thin coat of –8802 to all the bare surface. WALLA----NO LEAK. He explained that -8802 is a corrosion preventative in itself. The Zinc Chromate didn’t have time enough to cure preventing the -8802 from sticking to the metal.

All Kit Proofing Mods all had numerous changes but in the long run they enhanced the 106’s capability which sustained its longevity.