F-100F

F-100F

The first of the USAF “Century Series” jet fighters, the North American Aviation F-100 Super Sabre was the supersonic follow-on to their highly successful F-86 Sabre (itself a follow-on to their supreme P-51 Mustang.) The “Hun”–short for “Hundred”–was the first jet fighter capable of supersonic level flight, entering squadron service in 1954.

As the Hun was the scourge of Europe in the Middle Ages, the aerial Hun was the scourge of USAF safety statistics. To improve the flight characteristics as well as mission capability, the F-100 was developed into the D-model. The F-100D was further developed into the two-seat F-100F. This “Fox” variant retained the six underwing hard points of the “Dog” but lost two of its four 20mm cannons.

F-100s flew with USAF and for Republic of China Air Force, Royal Danish Air Force, Armee de l'Air, and Turk Hava Kuvvetleri; only Dane Huns did not see combat. Though the official account differs, F-100s probably scored the first USAF aerial victories over Vietnam, on 4 April 1965. F-100Fs were the first Wild Weasels, flying surface to air missile (SAM) suppression, known as "Iron Hand." But The Hun did not have the performance required and was withdrawn from CAP and Wild Weasel missions. The two-seat F-100F model saw extensive service as a "Fast FAC" or Misty FAC (forward air controller) in North Vietnam and Laos, spotting targets for other fighter-bomber aircraft as part of the top-secret project Commando Sabre.

Super Sabres remained in service with USAF National Guard units until 1979.

The Galleries

You will find what seems to be duplicate photographs. Some are included because they have been adjusted to show detail that I think you will want to see. Other photos have a slightly different angle that may interest you.

Click here for video of this aircraft's start-up, taxi, and departure!

The Hun

Meet F-100F-15-NA, 56-3948, sporting the markings of the wing commander, 354th Tactical Fighter Wing, Myrtle Beach AFB, South Carolina. This particular F-100F has the F-102 afterburner. A couple of items of interest, note the raised weld seams on the drop tanks, and note the prominent rivet and fastener details!