Eglin AFB in Okaloosa County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
F-100 Supersabre
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
Topics and series. This memorial is listed in this topic list: Military. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #38 Gerald R. Ford, Jr. series list.
Location. 30° 27.96′ N, 86° 33.626′ W. Marker is in Eglin AFB, Florida, in Okaloosa County. Memorial is at the intersection of Pinchot Road (State Road 189) and Museum Drive, on the right when traveling south on Pinchot Road. Located at the Air Force Armament Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 Museum Drive, Eglin AFB FL 32542, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. JF-101B Voodoo (a few steps from this marker); F-89 Scorpion (a few steps from this marker); F-84 Thunderstreak (a few steps from this marker); F-86F Sabre (a few steps from this marker); F-104 Starfighter (a few steps from this marker); CGM-13 Mace Missile (within shouting distance of this marker); B-47 Stratojet (within shouting distance of this marker); O-2 Skymaster (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Eglin AFB.
Also see . . .
1. Air Force Armament Museum. (Submitted on April 11, 2017, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
2. North American F-100 Super Sabre on Wikipedia. (Submitted on April 11, 2017, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
Credits. This page was last revised on April 11, 2017. It was originally submitted on April 11, 2017, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 263 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 11, 2017, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.