The USAF modified their contract with North American Aviation to produce the remaining 70 A-models to a newer C-model standard, this effectively a fighter-bomber variant with nuclear missile capability. The C-model also featured lengthened wings to help improve rolling but beyond this external change, it was effectively similar to the A-models. The new wings were also strengthened to allow for the carrying of external munitions with six hardpoints available. Additionally, C-models were the first to feature in-flight refueling via a probe extending outwards from under the starboard wing component. Along with the refueling element, the wings of the F-100C were fitted with fuel cells noted by the term "wet wing", a design element specifically requested by the USAF to help increase the limited range of the F-100A models. This improved the operational capabilities of the F-100C without reliance on externally held fuel tanks. The C-model was a "step up" in most respects, incorporating the ground attack feature to make it a true fighter-bomber - in effect, a multi-role performer to an extent. Armament could now go beyond the standard cannon armament and a few bombs - nuclear munitions and High Velocity Aircraft Rockets (HVAR) could now be carried in addition to external fuel tanks if needed. The AGM-12 Bullpup air-to-ground missile was added to the mix. A 335-gallon fuel tank was introduced. The Pratt & Whitney J57-P-7 was also improved with more power output.
The F-100D became the definitive Super Sabre, produced in no fewer than 1,274 examples. Instead of it being a conversion fighter-bomber model, the D-model was designed from the outset as a dedicated fighter-bomber platform. Key features included in-flight refueling, ECM (Electronic Counter Measures) equipment, larger wing and tail surfaces, an autopilot system and a "buddy" refueling system - allowing one F-100 to refuel another. Additional flaps became standard in this model to accommodate for the longer landing distances inherent in this heavier aircraft. A 450-gallon external fuel tank option was also introduced. Like the C-model before it, the D-model could sport the AGM-12 Bullpup air-to-surface missile.
The F-100F followed the D-model. This particular model was introduced as a two-seat trainer in the hopes of curtailing the appalling accident rates encountered with the F-100. As a pioneer of Mach 1 flight, it was without question that the aircraft would see a few bumps in the road. The F-100F was developed from a single-seat F-100C model known as the TF-100C and 339 F-models were delivered to the USAF. The prototype trainer first flew in July of 1957. Unfortunately, the trainer did little in the way to bring the accident numbers down to acceptable status. These F-100F models took on the designation of TF-100. The F-100 would, however, find itself a home in the "Wild Weasel" role - and anti-radar version of the Super Sabre that utilized the two-pilot configuration to good effect. Despite its origins in the C-model, the F-model was more akin to the D-model, retaining its new wing design and, thus, its external munitions capability. USAF F-100F "Wild Weasels" proved effective in the Vietnam War and were distinguished from their two-seat trainers by the appearance of angled antennas protruding from the underside of the nose intake and the trailing edge of the vertical tail fin.
The QF-100 was the designation used for target drones represented by the F-100 series. As can be assumed, distinct designations per model type are noted as such - the QF-100D represents the F-100D in target drone form, etc...
The RF-100A "Slick Chick" represented six F-100A conversion models in tactical reconnaissance forms. These aircraft saw their M39 cannon systems and ammunition stores removed in favor of five reconnaissance scanning cameras. Additionally, the aircraft was fitted with up to four external fuel tanks to get the most out of their operational range.
Armament
As standard, all combat Super Sabres carried a battery of 4 x Pontiac M39E automatic cannons. These cannons were based upon the World War 2-era German Mauser MG213C 30mm cannon but with a higher rate-of-fire in a 20mm form, with projectiles fed from a revolving gas-operated cylinder type arrangement. The cannons were allocated to a position underneath the cockpit and intake duct work. The weapons were in a staggered formation, two to a side. Spent ammunition casings were forcibly ejected away from the aircraft to reduce any damage to the underside. Between 200 and 275 rounds of ammunition could be carried as needed. Aiming was assisted by the A4 gyro-computing gun sight in the cockpit.
Weapons varied slightly from model to model. The C-model, as noted above, introduced true fighter-bomber characteristics, especially with their new six-hardpoint wings. Despite slight differences between models, all F-100 Super Sabres were cleared to use two missile types - the AIM-9B Sidewinder short-range, air-to-air missile and the AGM-12B Bullpup, an air-to-surface missile. Later Wild Weasel derivatives were sporting the AGM-45 Shrike anti-radiation/anti-radar missile systems. F-100's could also carry conventional bomb loadouts of varying weights as well as high velocity 5" rockets. Bomb and rocket aiming was handled by the A4 gun sight as well.
Perhaps most important to the Super Sabre - considering its introduction into a Cold War-dominated world - was the ability for the aircraft to carry and release nuclear-tipped missiles. Types cleared for use included the B28, B43, B57, B61 an MK7 munitions.
Both the D- and F-models made use of the Low-Altitude Bombing System (LABS). In essence, this allowed the Super Sabre to "toss" ordnance onto a target. The F-100 could fly at speed above the trees and then immediately pull up to release its ordnance. While the aircraft continued on its way, the falling ordnance would follow its gravitational path, or trajectory, towards the target.
Some F-100 Super Sabres were showcased in a "ZEL" (Zero-Length Launch System) program testing the aircraft out with rocket-assisted take-offs. These aircraft would have been stationed throughout NATO countries across Europe and be a first-response element against the impending Soviet invasion. As airborne Soviet nuclear missiles represented NATO air forces with a limited window to which launch their aircraft, the program was deemed a requirement though it never fully materialized for one reason or another.
Service
Besides service with the USAF, the Super Sabre became a relative favorite amongst its NATO partners and general American allies. Operators included Denmark, France, Turkey and Taiwan. A total of 2,294 F-100 Super Sabres were produced including the two YF-100A prototypes. Models encompassed just the A-, C-, D- and F-model series but on the whole, they were largely similar to one another. Production of all F-100 Super Sabres completed in 1959.
Perhaps the biggest operational use of the F-100 Super Sabre was in their F-100F "Wild Weasel" forms throughout the Vietnam War, their use spanning from 1966 into 1971. Wild Weasel is a generic term still in use today that associated any combat aircraft with their dedicated radar-destruction role. As such, you can have the F-4 Phantom in the Wild Weasel role just as the F-100 Super Sabre was featured in this fashion in Southeast Asia. Beyond their anti-radar roles, Super Sabres also filled in the air superiority, fighter-bomber and reconnaissance roles as needed. In all, the Super Sabre concluded more sorties in the conflict than the P-51 Mustang did in all of World War 2.
Soviet-produced SAM (Surface-to-Air-Missile) elements dotted North Vietnam and proved a hazard for all American airmen in service. The F-100F Wild Weasel was a converted form of the two-seat F-100F trainer where the two-person cockpit played well into Wild Weasel functions that required the use of a pilot and radar systems operator. In addition to SAMs, American airmen had to contend with AAA (Anti-Aircraft Artillery) and on-call interceptors in the form of MiG-17 "Farmers" and MiG-21 "Fishbeds".
Specialized equipment was added to these F-100Fs with no issue and actual function was markedly impressive. The rear-seat operator would pinpoint the given radar signal and ride it back to its point of origin. The pilot could then "mark" the area via rockets for the incoming group of fighter-bombers to target. With the development of the AGM-45 Shrike anti-radar missile, the role of Wild Weasel effectively transferred to the Republic F-105 Thunderchiefs and the McDonnell F-4 Phantoms. F-100 Super Sabres lived out their days in the Vietnam conflict as FAC (Forward-Air-Control) aircraft singularly dubbed as "Misty".
Super Sabres also served with the United States Air Force demonstration team "Thunderbirds" who continually upgraded their F-100 models as newer forms became available. A notable aircraft loss occurred in 1967 to which the airborne Super Sabre's wings collapsed onto the fuselage, spilling and igniting fuel. Though the pilot amazingly ejected to safety, the incident caused some concern from the USAF and North American Aviation, to which some modifications were put forth during production of the F-100D series.
As previously mentioned, F-100 Super Sabres were showcased throughout NATO countries, meaning that many were stationed throughout Europe to combat any Soviet aggression. The USAF discontinued use of the F-100 in 1972. Air National Guard units continued use of the type up until 1980 while at least one foreign operator was still fielding the aircraft operationally as recently as 1985 - a true testament to the aircrafts design.
Conclusion
The F-100 Super Sabre was indeed a true American fighter joining the likes of the P-51 Mustang and F-86 Sabre before it - all noted North American Aviation designs. It was a ground breaking design that set records at a time when technology was effectively forcing the push of the speed envelope. The aircraft became the world's first such system to reach Mach 1 in level flight and achieve it on a consistent basis, beating the Soviet MiG-19 to the punch by several months. The F-100 was not without its shortcomings and the fact that lives were lost to it in development showcased the infancy of understanding the limits to speed in flight. In the end, the F-100 Super Sabre proved her worth - with all the manpower, hours and dollars poured into the design - becoming a highly identifiable and respected aircraft and quite possibly the pinnacle of fighter design at North American Aviation.
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