F-100F

  • move
  • move
  • move
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 But The Hun did not have the performance required and was withdrawn from CAP and Wild Weasel missions.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!
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move

About the Author

About Frederick Boucher (JPTRR)
FROM: TENNESSEE, UNITED STATES

I'm a professional pilot with a degree in art. My first model was an AMT semi dump truck. Then Monogram's Lunar Lander right after the lunar landing. Next, Revell's 1/32 Bf-109G...cried havoc and released the dogs of modeling! My interests--if built before 1900, or after 1955, then I proba...


Comments

Frederick Boucher you are a star!!!!! Fantastic photos and I am really looking forward to the videos. Whats it like sitting in that cockpit? I presume thats your leg in the cockpit photos. Many, many thanks for sharing. Now where did I leave my wallet so I can acquire a 1/72 F-100? All the best. tim
SEP 09, 2010 - 10:12 PM
Bravo Fred! I for one really, really appreciate you taking the time to post this. I'll be building an F-100 early next year for the "Century Series" campaign and these spectacular photos will come in handy. Hermon
SEP 11, 2010 - 05:33 AM
Hi Tim, Sorry for the late reply. First, the F-100 video is now on the feature. >>Whats it like sitting in that cockpit? I presume thats your leg in the cockpit photos.>> Yes, my leg. Tried to get its pale puniness out the way LOL! The cockpit is relatively roomy once I moved the pilot's helmet out of the way. The view front the cockpit is nothing like 3rd and later generation pilots. Heavy framing, lots of stuff piled up on the console over the instrument panel. Once you overlook those, you really can not see the nose of the jet, so there is good visibility beyond the appliances. The side consoles seem to be pretty easy to reach, except for the panels to the mid- and rear. Of course, it was a thrill to sit there. Created a lot of "I wonder" moments. All the best. Fred
SEP 20, 2010 - 11:50 AM
Hi Tim, Sorry for the late reply. First, the F-100 video is now on the feature. The cockpit is relatively roomy once I moved the pilot's helmet out of the way. The view front the cockpit is nothing like 3rd and later generation pilots. Heavy framing, lots of stuff piled up on the console over the instrument panel. Once you overlook those, you really can not see the nose of the jet, so there is good visibility beyond the appliances. The side consoles seem to be pretty easy to reach, except for the panels to the mid- and rear. Of course, it was a thrill to sit there. Created a lot of "I wonder" moments. All the best. Fred
SEP 20, 2010 - 11:51 AM