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 Jun 20
10:00AM TO 12:30PM
Exploration of Flight (Centennial Airport)

Little Wings: Plane Spotting

Little Wings: Plane Spotting
Saturday, Jun 20, 2026 | 10:00AM to 12:30PM

Watch your child’s curiosity soar at Exploration of Flight and explore the amazing world of aviation! Participants will learn about the different parts of an airplane, how airports work and tarmac safety. Then it’s off to spot real planes in action! Watch them take off, land and fly through the skies at Centennial Airport.

Buy Tickets*

Wings’ Members, remember to sign in to receive 50% off tickets!

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*This program is designed for children aged 3-6 years old and their guardians. Siblings are welcome to participate. Adults must accompany children at all times. All attendees must purchase a program ticket; general admission to Exploration of Flight is included with program ticket. A significant portion of this activity takes place outdoors on the tarmac. Weather-appropriate clothing, water, sunscreen and hats are recommended. Some binoculars will be available for use, and feel welcome to bring your own binoculars. 

Photo Credit: Cliff Lawson

Saturday Jun 20
10:00AM TO 2:00PM
Air & Space Museum

Cockpit Demo Day

Cockpit Demo Day
Saturday, Jun 20, 2026 | 10:00AM to 2:00PM

Get an up-close look inside select aircraft at the museum and learn about its history, instruments, controls and more!

Featured aircraft in June*:

Pre-Purchase Tickets

*Featured aircraft are subject to change. 

Saturday Jun 20
10:00AM TO 5:00PM
Exploration of Flight (Centennial Airport)

Papas and Choppas

Papas and Choppas
Saturday, Jun 20, 2026 | 10:00AM to 5:00PM

Get an inside look at helicopters while seeing modern aviation come to life!

This special Father’s Day weekend showcase will feature all things rotor wings and fun family-friendly events, including:

  • Guided ground tours for guests of available aircraft
  • Meet pilots and crews
  • See aircraft fly in and out on our tarmac
  • A special Father’s Day free family photo op
  • And more!

Don’t miss out on this fun day to celebrate Dad!

Buy Tickets*

Interested in additional opportunities? Click the links below!

Little Wings: Plane Spotting brings aviation to life right in front of your child’s eyes!

The Aviation Photography Workshop will take you to the skies by showing the best ways to photograph aircraft!

Want something to eat? We’ve got you covered!

Check out delicious food from 2 Salty Sarges

*Weather permitting. Aircraft and activities are subject to change. Food is not included with admission.

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F-22 on the Tarmac at Exploration of Flight