North American F-100D Super Sabre

North American F-100D Super SabreA19781577000First flown in 1953, the F-100 Super Sabre was developed from the F-86, and was the world’s first fighter capable of supersonic speed in level flight.Used widely during the Vietnam War, the North American F-100D was the fighter-bomber version of the F-100 interceptor and first entered service in 1956. The F-100D was equipped with supersonic autopilot, enlarged fin and rudder, inboard landing flaps and underwing pylons that could carry up to 3,200 kg (7,040 lb) of ordnance.The Museum’s F-100D-86 s/n 56-3440 entered service on December 19, 1957 and flew 6,159 hours over its 21 year career. The aircraft flew during the Cuban Missile Crisis of October 1962, was stationed in Japan, and in 1965, moved to Bien Hoa Air Base in South Vietnam. The Museum’s F-100D fought for several years, sustaining damage from ground fire on several occasions. The aircraft is displayed as it appeared during the heaviest fighting during the Tet Offensive of 1968, when it flew for the 531st TFS of the 3rd TFW. In 1970 #440 returned to the U.S. and flew in active duty until transferred to the Michigan Air Guard in 1972. On August 8, 1978, the aircraft was retired and transferred to the National Air and Space Museum.Wingspan: 12m (38ft 9in)Length: 14.5m (47ft 5in)Height: 4.9m (16ft 2.5in)Weight, empty: 9361 kg (20,638 lb)Weight:, gross: 17,258 kg (38,048 lb)Top speed: 1437 km/h (892 mph)Engine: One Pratt & Whitney J57-P-21A 4808 kg (10,200 lb) thrust, 7257 kg (16,000lb) with afterburnerManufacturer: North American Aviation, Columbus, OhioTransferred from the U.S. Air Force