The North American F-100 Super Sabre is a swept-wing supersonic jet fighter that served with the U.S. Air Force from 1954 to 1971 and continued in the Air National Guard until 1979. Here are some intriguing details about this iconic aircraft:
- Specifications:
- Wingspan: 38 feet, 9 inches
- Length: 50 feet, 4 inches
- Empty weight: 21,712 pounds
- Powerplant: 1 Pratt & Whitney J57-P-21A engine
- Armament: 2 20mm cannons, AIM-9 Sidewinders, AGM-12 Bullpup, LAU 3/a Rockets
- Crew: 2
- Max. Speed: 871 mph (Mach 1.14)
- Service Ceiling: 35,500 feet
- Range: 1,661 miles
- Historical Journey:
- The specific F-100F in the Collings Foundation’s possession is serial number #56-3844 (“844”).
- Delivered to the U.S. Air Force in November 1957, it served with the 20th Tactical Air Command Fighter Wing from 1958 to October 1970.
- During this time, it was primarily based in the U.K., with deployments to Libya and Turkey.
- In 1971, it was assigned to the 149th Tactical Fighter Group (TX Air National Guard) at Kelly AFB, San Antonio, Texas.
- After being dropped from USAF service in 1974, it found new life in the Danish Air Force until 1981.
- Subsequently, it flew under civilian registrations in the United Kingdom and Italy.
- The F-100F transferred ownership several times, each chapter adding to its storied past.
- Role and Legacy:
- The F-100 Super Sabre played a crucial role during the Vietnam War.
- It served as the Air Force’s primary close air support until replaced by the A-7 Corsair II.
- The F-100s were the longest-serving U.S. fighter-bombers in the conflict.
- Notably, the F-100 had the first confirmed kill during the war when Capt. Donald Kilgus shot down a MiG-17 using cannon fire.
- The F-100F, a two-seat model, served as a “Fast FAC” (forward air controller) and contributed to reconnaissance and search-and-rescue missions.
- Its combat sorties exceeded 360,000 during the Vietnam War.
- Honoring Col. Bud Day:
- The Collings Foundation’s F-100F is painted in honor of Col. George “Bud” Day, a Vietnam War hero.
- Col. Bud Day was a MISTY FAC pilot, and this aircraft pays tribute to his legacy and that of all Vietnam Veterans.
- The Collings Foundation’s Super Sabre 56-3844 (N26AZ) was delivered to the United States Air Force in November 1957. From 1958 to October 1970 this Super Sabre was assigned to the 20th Tactical Fighter Wing (TFW), during which it was based primarily in the United Kingdom with deployments to Libya and Turkey. When ‘844 returned to the United States in 1971 where it was assigned to the Texas Air National Guard’s 149th Tactical Fighter Group (TFG) at Kelly AFB, San Antonio, Texas. The aircraft was retired from USAF service in 1974. After a short time in storage, the fighter was transferred to the Danish Air Force where it served until 1981. In 1982, it was transferred to Flight Systems Inc. under civilian registrations and flew in the United Kingdom and Italy from 1983 to 1992. It was then transferred to Grecoair Inc. in El Paso, Texas, from 1997 to 2011 and painted in New Mexico Air Guard colors followed by Thunderbird markings. Collings Foundation has got the F-100F back in flying status and this will be followed by the A-4 skyhawk and the Pfabulous F-4D phantom II. All of these were front line fighters use during the Vietnam Conflict back in the 1960s and 70s
The Collings Foundation’s F-100F Super Sabre stands as a testament to courage, innovation, and the indomitable spirit of those who took to the skies. 🛩️✨
Pictures by Bill Havel