Air & Space Museum

North American F-100D Super Sabre

North American F-100D Super Sabre

The first mass-produced aircraft to exceed Mach 1 (the speed of sound) in level flight, the F-100 Super Sabre took the US Air Force into the supersonic age when it entered service in 1954.

Its introduction was not without problems, though. Instability problems caused several early F-100s to crash. North American addressed the problems in subsequent versions of the F-100.

The F-100D model was optimized for ground attack, and had larger wings as tail surfaces, an autopilot, advanced avionics, and the ability to carry air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles. Many Super Sabres supported the US war effort in Vietnam, flying most of the close air support missions in the first half of the war. The 120th Fighter Squadron of the Colorado Air National Guard with their F-100Cs became the first Air Guard unit to fight in Vietnam when they were deployed in 1968.

North American built the museum’s F-100D in 1957. The airplane served during several “crises” in its career, being deployed during the Lebanon Crisis in 1958, the Berlin Crisis in 1961, and the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. In 1965 the Air Force transferred it to Lowry AFB as a training airframe.

The F-100D is on loan to Wings Over the Rockies from the National Museum of the US Air Force.

Air & Space Museum Air & Space Museum

Lowry - Denver

Air & Space Museum

Upcoming Events

Saturday Mar 28
10:00AM TO 5:00PM
Air & Space Museum

Free Day for Lowry Residents

Free Day for Lowry Residents
Saturday, Mar 28, 2026 | 10:00AM to 5:00PM

Calling all Lowry neighborhood residents! Embark on an awe-inspiring journey through aviation and space history, right in your own backyard. Enjoy FREE admission to Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum as our way of saying thank you to our vibrant community.

Redeem your free ticket* at check-in, and enjoy a day of exploring with us.

*Proof of residency in the Lowry neighborhood (zip code 80230) is required.

Saturday Mar 28
11:00AM TO 2:00PM
Exploration of Flight (Centennial Airport)

Plane Talk: Racing the Legendary P-51

Plane Talk: Racing the Legendary P-51
Saturday, Mar 28, 2026 | 11:00AM to 2:00PM

What does it take to race in a WWII-era P-51? Find out from Colorado Aviation Hall of Famer Joe Thibodeau and his son, J.P. Thibodeau, and hear about their journey with this iconic aircraft.

Joe is a distinguished Colorado-based attorney, aviator and speedster. After beginning his legal practice in 1971 and soloing as a pilot in 1974, he became a prominent figure in the vintage warbird community, competing in the National Championship Air Races with first-place finishes in the Silver and Bronze classes. Beyond his competitive success, Thibodeau holds a “Level 3” FAA Statement of Aerobatic Competency and has frequently performed at airshows to inspire and educate others about aviation. Don’t miss out on this fascinating topic and life story!

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Friday Apr 3
1:00PM TO 3:30PM
Air & Space Museum

100 Rockets for 100 Years

100 Rockets for 100 Years
Friday, Apr 3, 2026 | 1:00PM to 3:30PM

Celebrate a hundred years of rocketry! In 1926, Dr. Robert H. Goddard sent the world’s first liquid-fueled rocket into the air, traveling 41 feet in 2.5 seconds. In honor of this anniversary, we invite you and your family to help us send 100 more skyward.

At this event, you’ll participate in fun and fascinating experiences:

  • Build and launch your own rocket*
  • Explore the science behind flight propulsion and the many ways these vehicles take to the skies
  • Enjoy STEAM activities
  • Attend live demonstrations of water and Estes Rockets** at 1:30, 2:30, and 3:30 pm

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*Please bring an empty 2-liter bottle for the rocket build. A limited supply will be available for those unable to provide their own.

**Weather permitting

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F-22 on the Tarmac at Exploration of Flight