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 Oct 3
5:00PM TO 9:00PM
Air & Space Museum

Spreading Wings Gala

Spreading Wings Gala
Saturday, Oct 3, 2026 | 5:00PM to 9:00PM

Join Wings Over the Rockies for an unforgettable evening celebrating America’s premier flight demonstration team, the United States Air Force Thunderbirds!

The 2026 Spreading Wings Gala brings together aviation enthusiasts, community leaders, veterans, and business executives for one of Colorado’s premier events. Guests will enjoy an elegant evening featuring remarkable stories, exclusive experiences, and the highly anticipated unveiling of our fully restored Thunderbird F-16D.

The evening will feature a special conversation with our guest of honor, retired Brigadier General James Latham. A decorated combat pilot, former prisoner of war, and Thunderbird Commander, General Latham’s remarkable career is a testament to courage, leadership, perseverance, and service. His story reflects the values that have defined the Thunderbirds for generations and continue to inspire those who dream of taking flight.

The Thunderbirds represent excellence, precision, teamwork, and service. Their legacy extends far beyond the skies, inspiring future pilots, maintainers, engineers, astronauts, and innovators. Every ticket, sponsorship, and donation helps Wings Over the Rockies create life-changing opportunities that prepare young people to become the next generation of Thunderbirds.

At this event, you’ll experience:

  • Cocktail reception and elegant dinner
  • Keynote discussion with retired Brigadier General James Latham
  • Exclusive unveiling of our F-16D, painted in its original Thunderbirds livery
  • View 4 additional historic aircraft models flown by the Thunderbirds
  • Hear remarks from Thunderbirds Association Chair, Michael “Mo” Beale
  • Interact with Thunderbirds pilots, maintainers, and crews
  • Live auctions that include once-in-a-lifetime aviation adventures

Trust us, you don’t want to miss this remarkable evening honoring generations of aerospace excellence!

Buy Tickets

Interested in sponsoring this event? Learn more here!

 

Saturday Oct 10
9:30AM TO 12:30PM
Exploration of Flight (Centennial Airport)

Breakfast Fly-In: Treats on the Tarmac

Breakfast Fly-In: Treats on the Tarmac
Saturday, Oct 10, 2026 | 9:30AM to 12:30PM

Break out the costumes and start your Saturday with tasty food, aircraft and trick-or-treating at our monthly Breakfast Fly-In!*

Celebrate Halloween and get into the fall spirit at this family-friendly event, featuring special activities in addition to our usual experiences.

Enjoy*:

  • Collect candy from aircraft and grab your FREE bag of popcorn (while supplies last)
  • Join the costume catwalk and show off your outfits at 11 a.m.
  • Take part in our spooky scavenger hunt and win prizes
  • Play “Find My Character” bingo
  • Participate in pumpkin stamping and monster windsock crafts
  • See aircraft fly in and out on our tarmac and meet the pilots

Food Trucks: Cruz In & Eat & Sticky’s Munchies

Pilots: Fly in for free breakfast! For tie-down space, contact PublicPrograms@WingsMuseum.org or 303.360.5360 ext. 160.

We’ll see you soon, if you dare!

Buy Tickets:

9:30 a.m. Entry     10:30 a.m. Entry

Safety Reminder: To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, please note that weapons of any kind, including those that may be part of a costume, are strictly prohibited inside the museum.

This includes:

  • Fake swords, knives, or guns
  • Pointed or sharp objects
  • Anything that could potentially be considered a weapon (even if part of your costume)

We ask that you please leave such items at home or in your vehicle. Let’s keep this day fun and safe!

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

Monday Oct 12
2:00PM TO 6:00PM
Exploration of Flight (Centennial Airport)

College & Career Symposium: Aviation, Public Safety, and Engineering

College & Career Symposium: Aviation, Public Safety, and Engineering
Monday, Oct 12, 2026 | 2:00PM to 6:00PM

Join us for our 6th annual career symposium, where your future takes flight!

This unique educational event caters to all ages and individuals who are looking for university opportunities or jobs in aerospace. There are so many fields to explore, including engineering, flight schools, public safety, and more!

Learn about*:
  • Colorado colleges and their degrees
  • What flight training requires and the classes
  • Network with pilots, scientists, and businessmen
  • Participate in a workshop to advance your skills:
    • A step-by-step “how-to” for college applications
    • LinkedIn development
    • Mock interviews
    • Take a new headshot

The best part is, this event is completely FREE to all, so we can help you take the next steps towards achieving your dream!

Interested in becoming an exhibitor? Click here to sign up!

Register Here For Tickets

Food Truck: Ba-Nom-a-Nom

*Exhibitors and activities are subject to change. Food is not included in admission. 

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F-22 on the Tarmac at Exploration of Flight