Years In Service: 1954-1978
Initial Flight: September 27, 1954
The F-100A first took flight in 1953 and was the United States Air Force’s first operational aircraft capable of flying faster than the speed of sound (760 mph) in level flight. It eventually set the world speed record in 1955. It was also the first USAF fighter to cost over $1 million per aircraft, and the first fighter to make an in-flight refueling routine. During 1955-1962 it was one of the mainstays of the US Air Force.
Aircraft Specifications
Height: 15′ 4″ Wingspan: 38′ 9″ Length: 53′ 9″ Crew: 1 Armament: Four Pontiac 20mm M39E internal auto-cannons in the lower fuselage. Thrust: 8,000 lbs., 14,800 lbs. in afterburner Cruise speed: 587 mph No. of Engines: 1 Max Speed: 848 mph Ceiling: 51,000 ft.