The F-100 was the first fighter to attain supersonic speed in level flight. With the new role
as a fighter/bomber the F-100C had improvements over the “A” variant such as a
strengthened wing with six hard-points to carry up to 5,000 pounds of bombs, rockets,
fuel tanks or a Mk. 7 nuclear weapon. The F-100C also received a new electronic
bombing system and an in-flight re-fueling probe. A new engine increased speed at
altitude by 40 mph and reduced time to climb to 35,000 feet by 10 percent.

In early 1949 pilots from the 22nd FS of the 36th FW USAFE started group flying. As a
result in May the 36th is ordered to create an aerobatic team using Lockheed F-80B
Shooting Star aircraft. In October the first performance took place in Germany using four
aircraft.
On January 1950 the 36th FW became the 36th FBW meaning the team would now fly
the Republic F-84E Thunderjet. By the summer of 1952 the Starblazers had performed
260 displays in 12 countries. At the end of 1952 the Starblazers become part of the 86th
FW.
In October 1953 the team becomes part of the 48th FBW and fly the F-84G. In 1954 the
team receives the new F-86F Sabre and uses them during the 1955 and 1956 seasons.
In 1956 the team is once again assigned to the 36th FW and fly the F-86F Sabre. In 1957
the Starblazers’ aircraft becomes the North American F-100C Supersabre. In 1960 the
team begins to use three colors of smoke in their routine. The red white and blue colors
become a standard part of their routine. The last aircraft to be used was the massive
Republic F-105B Thunderchief. By this time the Thunderbirds Air Demonstration Team
had been formed in the USA and with the F-105 capability of air re-fueling they could
perform anywhere in the world making the European based Starblazers unnecessary.
From 1956 to 1962 Captain Pat Kramer was with the team and in 1961 "Captain Kramer"
flew the lead solo aircraft. The team was disbanded in January 1962.

Specifications for the F-100C Super Sabre:

Manufacturer – North American Aviation
Type of aircraft – originally a fighter - later a fighter/bomber
Number “C” models built – 476
Last aircraft produced – April 1956
Last aircraft accepted – July 1956
Crew – 1 X pilot

Engine – 1 X Pratt & Whitney J57-P-21 turbojet,
10,200 lb.s.t. dry / 16,000 lb.s.t. with afterburning.

Internal fuel capacity - 1702 US gal.
External tanks - 437 US gal.
Total – 2,139 US gal.

Weights:
Empty - 19,270 lbs.
Maximum take-off – 32,615 lbs.

Performance
Maximum speed:
760 mph at sea level
924 mph at 35,000 ft.

Initial climb rate - 21,600 ft/minute
Climb to 35,000 ft - 2.3 minutes
Service ceiling - 38,700 ft
Combat ceiling - 49,100 ft
Normal range - 572 miles
Maximum range - 1954 miles

Dimensions:
Wingspan - 38 ft 9 in
Length - 47 ft 1 1/4 in
Height - 15 ft 6 in
Wing area - 385 sq ft

Armament:
4 X 20-mm Pontiac M-39 cannon,
plus external loads of up to 5000 pounds of bombs, rockets, or fuel tanks carried on six
under-wing hard points.

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