North American F-100C

Developed as a follow-on to the F-86 Sabre used in the Korean Conflict, the F-100 was the world's first production aircraft capable of flying faster than the speed of sound in level flight (760 mph). The prototype, the YF-100A made its first flight on May 25, 1953 at Edwards AFB, California. Of the 2,294 F-100s built before production ended in 1959, 476 were Cs. Designed originally to destroy enemy aircraft in aerial combat, the F-100 later became a fighter-bomber. It made its combat debut during the Vietnam conflict where it was assigned the task of attacking such targets as bridges, river barge, road junctions, and cantonment areas being used by infiltrating enemy soldiers.

The F-100C, which made its first flight in 1955, featured such advances as in-flight refueling system, provisions for extra fuel drop tanks and bombs under the wings and an improved electronic bombing system. Warner Robins Air Logistics Center supported the F-100 by performing maintenance and logistics support to over 564 aircraft during their ferry flight to Europe in the late 1950s. In addition, Robins provide all logistics support to armament and electronic systems on all F-100s worldwide. The F-100C on display was delivered to the USAF's 322nd Fighter Group at Foster AFB, Texas in November 1955. It served at various locations throughout the United Stated and last served with the 35th Air National Guard HQ (ANG) at Kirtland AFB, New Mexico before being retired in March 1973. It was acquired by the Museum in 1985.