F-100 "Super Sabre"

The North American designed F-100 was the first operational aircraft to fly faster than sound in level flight. Design started in 1948 in an attempt to improve the speed of the then experimental F-86. On 29 October 1953, Lt Col F.L. "Pete" Everest piloted the first F-100 to a world speed record of 755.149 miles per hour. This was the first aircraft to use the heat resisting metal titanium. The aircraft included automatic regulated air conditioning and pressurizing systems and automatic fuel system. It also incorporated a drag chute for landing on short, wet, or icy runways. The Super Sabre was used by the Air Force Thunderbirds in their famous precision flying performances. The F-100 was the first jet to fly a tactical strike mission in southeast Asia in June 1964. Sidewinder and bullpup missiles were added to F-100s in service during the late fifties; these aircraft played a prominent part in the early years of the Vietnam conflict.

Lackland AFB, Texas · United States