Supersonic Legacy: The North American F-100 Super Sabre

The F-100 Super Sabre was a pioneering supersonic jet fighter developed by North American Aviation for the United States Air Force. In 2024, MotoArt created F-100 Super Sabre PlaneTags from 54-1927. Read more about it and order yours on August 8, 2024 at planetags.com

What Was the North American F-100C Super Sabre?

The North American Super Sabre F-100C, developed in the early 1950s, was an advanced jet fighter that emerged from the United States Air Force's need for a supersonic aircraft capable of delivering nuclear weapons. Designed and produced by North American Aviation, the F-100C was an evolution of the F-100A, boasting enhanced performance and a greater payload capacity. It first took flight in 1954 and entered service shortly thereafter. The F-100C's design was notable for its sleek, streamlined appearance, featuring a thin, swept-back wing and a distinctive nose intake. The aircraft was powered by the Pratt & Whitney J57 engine, which enabled it to reach speeds exceeding Mach 1.2. It was equipped with a variety of weapons, including conventional bombs, rockets, and nuclear bombs, making it a versatile addition to the Air Force's arsenal.

The F-100C served primarily with the United States Air Force and was extensively used during the Cold War era. It played a crucial role in NATO operations, deployed to various bases in Europe as part of the deterrent force against potential Soviet aggression. Additionally, the F-100C saw action during the early stages of the Vietnam War, where it was used for ground-attack missions and air superiority roles. Its robust design and versatility made it a valuable asset in multiple theaters of operation until it was eventually replaced by more advanced aircraft like the F-4 Phantom II. The F-100C's legacy is marked by its role in pioneering supersonic flight and its contributions to U.S. military aviation history.

Developing the F-100

The North American F-100 Super Sabre was developed in the early 1950s as a response to the United States Air Force's (USAF) need for a supersonic jet capable of providing superior air defense and ground-attack capabilities. Initiated by North American Aviation, the project aimed to create a high-performance aircraft that could surpass the limitations of existing fighters. The development began in 1951, with the goal of replacing the subsonic F-86 Sabre and complementing the F-84 Thunderjet. The F-100's design incorporated a sleek, swept-wing configuration and a powerful Pratt & Whitney J57 turbojet engine, allowing it to achieve supersonic speeds. Its development marked a significant leap forward in jet fighter technology, as it was the first U.S. Air Force aircraft capable of sustained supersonic flight in level conditions.

The F-100 was developed to serve as a versatile multi-role aircraft, capable of engaging in air superiority missions and delivering nuclear weapons. It was part of the "Century Series" of USAF jet fighters, which included other groundbreaking aircraft like the F-101 Voodoo and the F-105 Thunderchief. The F-100 entered service in 1954, with the initial F-100A model followed by the improved F-100C variant, which featured greater fuel capacity and enhanced avionics for more effective mission performance. The aircraft played a crucial role during the early years of the Cold War, particularly in Europe, where it was stationed as a deterrent against potential Soviet aggression. The F-100 also saw extensive service during the Vietnam War, where it was employed in close air support and ground-attack missions. The F-100 Super Sabre's development and operational history highlight its importance as a pioneering supersonic jet that set the stage for future advancements in military aviation.

North American F-100C Super Sabre At A Glance

F-100C Specifications

• Manufacturer: North American Aviation
• Model: F-100C
• S/N: 54-1927
• Crew: 1
• Wing Span: 38 ft 10 in
• Length: 46 ft 1 in
• Height: 15 ft 6 in
• Armament: 4x M39 20mm cannons, 6x underwing hardpoints for bombs, rockets, and external fuel tanks

F-100C Performance

• Range: 530 mi
• Cruise Speed: 565 mph
• Ceiling: 49,100 ft
• Empty Weight: 21,000 lb
• Max Takeoff Weight: 36,549 lb
• Rate Of Climb: 21,600 ft/min
• Engine: 1x Pratt & Whitney J-57-P-21A turbojet

54-1927

Constructed as an F-100C, the aircraft with serial number 54-1927 was delivered to the United States Air Force (USAF) in January 1956. It was initially assigned to the 45th Fighter-Day Squadron stationed at Sidi Slimane Air Base in North Africa. Later that year, in December 1956, the aircraft was reassigned to the 36th Fighter-Day Wing at Bitburg Air Base in Germany. Over the next five years, 54-1927 operated out of various bases within the United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE), reflecting the strategic importance of the region during the Cold War era.

Public domain photo

In December 1961, the aircraft was transferred to the Air National Guard and assigned to the 127th Tactical Fighter Squadron at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. Seven years later, in September 1968, it was deployed to Kunsan Air Base in the Republic of Korea, where it continued to serve as part of the U.S. military presence in East Asia. In 1970, the aircraft found a new home with the 132nd Tactical Fighter Group in Des Moines, Iowa. After a distinguished career, 54-1927 was retired in 1974 and placed in storage at the Military Aircraft Storage and Disposition Center (MASDC) at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona.

MotoArt Finds A Super Sabre

Dave Hall, the owner of MotoArt PlaneTags, discovered the F-100 Super Sabre, 54-1927, in the Mojave desert. "Although this aircraft was last documented as being stationed at Davis-Monthan, we actually found the F-100 disassembled in the Mojave Desert,” explains Hall. “We never did learn why it ended up in the desert. After discovering the serial number and tracking down the rightful owner, we secured the aircraft for documentation.”

“What was really cool was finding out that it was stationed in Germany around the same time Buzz Aldrin commanded F-100s,” mused Hall. “Did he actually fly this particular plane? Only Buzz can tell us that."

North American F-100C Super Sabre PlaneTags

F-100 PlaneTags will be released Thursday, August 8, 2024 at 12 PM Pacific on planetags.com and the PlaneTags app. Don’t miss the rare colors - refresh your browser promptly at noon. 

North American PlaneTags

North American Aviation has a storied legacy in the aviation industry, known for producing some of the most iconic aircraft in history, including the P-51 Mustang, the B-25 Mitchell (sold out), and the F-86 Sabre (sold out). Their innovative designs and engineering prowess have left a lasting impact on both military and civilian aviation. MotoArt is honored to have crafted some of its most iconic and treasured PlaneTags from North American Aviation planes, preserving the essence of these historic machines. Each PlaneTag made from North American aircraft embodies a piece of history, celebrating the remarkable achievements and craftsmanship that defined an era. By transforming these storied aircraft into collectible pieces, MotoArt not only honors the heritage of North American Aviation but also ensures that the legacy of these extraordinary planes continues to inspire and be cherished by aviation enthusiasts around the world.

Don’t miss these North American PlaneTags while they are still in stock:

• XP-82 Twin Mustang
• T-28C Trojan
• RA-5C Vigilante