Trumpeter 01649 North American F-100D Super Sabre

The North American F-100 Super Saber was one of the first supersonic aircraft to enter service in the US Air Force, being a direct successor to the F-86. The F-100 was characterized by an all-metal construction, in a large-skewed mid-wing configuration with a classic horizontal tail. Originally, the project that led to the creation of the F-100 was supposed to be only a modification of the F-86, but eventually, as a result of tests and trials in wind tunnels, it was decided to create a new aircraft. The flight of the prototype YF-100A took place in 1953, and a year later the machine entered service under the designation F-100A as an air superiority fighter. This version turned out to be very unlucky, as a result of accidents and disasters nearly 50% of the machines of this version were lost. After the problems were resolved, and mainly after the tail change, the subsequent C and D series were much less malfunctioning. Both versions were to act as fighter-bomber machines. The two-seater version of the F-100F was introduced almost simultaneously with the single-seater and was to fulfill mainly a training role. Due to the enlarged cabin for two people, the fuselage was extended, which, however, did not significantly affect the performance. After all, the F-100F played not only a training role, but was widely used in combat conditions, especially during the Vietnam conflict, when it carried out numerous attacks on North Vietnamese air defense points as part of the "Wild Weasel" unit. The F-100F passed its baptism of fire over the skies of Vietnam in November 1965. The F-100 was also exported to Taiwan, France, Denmark and Turkey. A total of 2,294 were built of all versions of the F-100. Technical data (version F-100D): Maximum speed: 1,390 km / h, speed of climb: 114 m / s, maximum altitude 15,000 m, maximum range: 3,210 km, armament: fixed - four 20mm Pontiak M39A1 cannons, suspended - up to 3,190 kg payload, including Mark 7, Mark 28, Mark 38, Mark 43 nuclear bombs.