The F-100 was the first operational aircraft capable of flying faster than the speed of sound (Mach 1) in level flight. The aircraft made its initial flight on May 25, 1953, and the first production aircraft was completed in October 1953. North American built 2,294 F-100s before production ended in 1959 with the F-100F models.
Designed originally destroy to enemy aircraft in aerial combat, the F-100 became a fighter-bomber. It made its combat debut the Vietnam War where it was assigned the task of attacking such targets as bridges, river barges, road junctions, and cantonment areas being used by infiltrating enemy soldiers. As tactics developed the F-100F became an important aircraft for two new missions — surface-to-air missile (SAM) suppression, known as "Iron Hand", and high-speed forward air control (FAC), known as "Misty FAC".
The F-100c aircraft on display here featured such advances as an in-flight refueling system, provisions for extra fuel tanks and bombs under the wings and an improved electronic bombing system.
This F-100C S/N 54-1986 was last flown by the Armament Development and Test Center at Eglin AFB. This F-100C is being depicted as F-100F S/N 56-3954 flown by Col (then Major) George "Bud" Day. In April, 1967, Major Day was flying a "Misty FAC" mission
when he was shot down. He was captured and held as a Prisoner of War for the next 67 months. On March 4, 1976, Colonel Day was presented with the Medal of Honor by President Gerald Ford.
Specifications
Manufacturer North American Aviation
Thrust One — Pratt & Whitney J57-P-21 Turbojet engine rated at 17,000 lbs of thrust w/afterburner
Length 46 ft 1 in
Height 15 ft 6 in
Wingspan 38 ft 10 in
Weight 21,000 lbs Empty / 34,832 lbs Max
Speed 864 mph Max / 565 mph Cruise
Range 1350 Miles
Ceiling 49,100 ft
Armament Four — 20mm cannons and Six — pylons for 42 -— 2.75 in rockets or up to 5,000 lbs of bombs
This aircraft is on loan from the National Museum of the United States Air Force
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