Convair

Convair was an American aircraft manufacturer formed in 1943 by the merger of Consolidated Aircraft and Vultee Aircraft, creating Consolidated Vultee Aircraft Corporation. The company became a major player in both military and civilian aviation, and its name persisted for decades as a division within larger aerospace corporations.

Among Convair’s most notable military programs was the B-36 Peacemaker, a four-engine strategic bomber introduced in the late 1940s and known for its large size and long range. The company also developed jet interceptors such as the F-102 Delta Dagger and the F-106 Delta Dart, which served with the United States Air Force during the Cold War era. In addition to fighters and bombers, Convair produced a variety of airliners and related civil aircraft, including the Convair 240 family (the 240, 340, and 440), which contributed to postwar regional jet service, and later the Convair 880 and 990 airliners, which aimed to compete with other early jets on speed and performance.

Convair played a significant role in early space and launch activities as well. The company was involved in the Atlas family of missiles and launch vehicles, contributing to the United States’ capacity to reach space during the early space race and enabling some early orbital missions.

In the mid-20th century, Convair became part of General Dynamics, operating as the Convair Division within the new parent company. The Convair brand continued to appear in corporate branding during that period, but over time its distinct identity merged into General Dynamics’ broader aerospace business. The Convair legacy encompasses advances in heavy bombers, jet propulsion, civil aviation, and space launch systems, marking a key chapter in mid-century American aerospace history.