F-100 Super Sabre
The F-100 Super Sabre was a U.S. jet fighter aircraft which saw action during first years of the Vietnam War as tactical fighter support. It served with the USAF from 1954 to 1971 and with the Air National Guard (ANG) until 1979. The F-100 was the world’s first production supersonic aircraft and was designed from the outset to operate at speeds above Mach 1. for extended period. At the behest of Secretary of Defense, Robert McNamara, it also flew intelligence missions over Cambodia and Laos from 1964.
The F-100 Super Sabre was designed in 1951 by North American Aviation engineers. The prototype, the YF-100A, first flew on May 25, 1953, seven months ahead of schedule, reaching Mach 1.05. It was mass-produced by North American Aviation between 1953 and 1959 and entered active service on September 27, 1954, replacing the F-86 Sabre. Extensive use of titanium throughout the aircraft was notable. The F-100 would be replaced by the F-105 Thunderchief for strike missions over North Vietnam. The F-100 also served in several NATO air forces and with other US allies.
Specifications
Engine: one Pratt & Whitney J57-P-21/21A turbojet
Maximum speed: 864 mph, or 1,390 km/h (supersonic)
Range: 1,995 mi, or 3,210 km
Wingspan: 38 ft 9 in (11.81 m)
Length: 50 ft (15.2 m)
Crew: one
Armament: four 20mm (0.79 in) M39 cannons; two AGM-12 Bullpup air-to-ground missiles (or four AIM-9 Sidewinders); could carry up to 7,040lb (3,190 kg) of bombs, both conventional or Mark 7 nuclear bombs.
Variants: F-100A, F-100B, F-100C, F-100D, F-100F, DF-100F, NF-100F, F-100J
F-100 Super Sabre aircraft being refueled in mid air
F-100 Super Sabre in Vietnam (Video)
