Author: Larry Davis
In 1949, engineers at North American Aviation (NAA) - fresh off the success of their F-86 Sabre - began work on an improved Sabre capable of flying at and above the speed of sound in level flight. The airframe was greatly redesigned and a more powerful engine installed. Experience by US pilots over Korea was factored into the new aircraft, which became the F-100 Super Sabre.
In May of 1953, the YF-100A prototype broke the sound barrier on its first flight. Testing revealed control problems, which were corrected by redesigning the wings and tail. The F-100 entered US Air Force service in 1954. The aircraft was further refined and its role changed from air superiority fighter to fighter-bomber in the later F-100C and F-100D variants.
The Super Sabre - nicknamed Hun by its pilots - saw extensive service over Vietnam on close air support missions and on the early Wild Weasel defense suppression operations. Surviving aircraft flew with Air National Guard and foreign squadrons until the early 1980s. NAA expert Larry Davis new book traces the development and operational service of the first Century Series fighter.
Paperback - 11" x 8-1/2" - 50 pages - 3 color, 50 b/w
Format: Softbound
Pages: 50
Length: 11w x 8.25h
ISBN-13: 9780897474597
ISBN: 0897474597
Catalog ID: 136816A