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.

The first USAF Worldwide Gunnery Competition “Gunsmoke” was initiated in 1949 with
the goal of improving flight crew expertise with their aircraft and weapons. The meet was
held biennially at Yuma and then moved to Nellis AFB, Las Vegas, Nevada. The meet
wasn’t held from 1963-1980 and the last ever meet took place in 1995. The 4th FDW
replaced the 83rd FDW at Seymour Johnson AFB in 1957 until 1960. With the
realignment the 333rd FDS “Lancers” was formed on November 13, 1957 and activated
December 8, 1957.On July 1st, 1958 the 333rd was re-designated the 333rd TFS. F-
100C 54-1800 was one of the aircraft sent to represent the 9th Air Force. This aircraft
was later sold to the Turkish Air Force and arrived on October 24, 1974. The last Turkish
F-100D was retired in 1982.

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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