I’m passionate about aviation history, especially military aircraft, and I’ve recently become interested in those United States fighter jets with three digits. Today, we see planes like the F-14 Tomcat, F-15 Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, and even the F-35 Lightning II. However, there were earlier fighter aircraft designated as F-1XX, known as the Century Series fighters. Interestingly, these planes are older than the F-4 Phantom.
Why did they decide to make such a significant leap in designating these series of planes with three digits, like F-100, F-105, and so forth, instead of continuing with F-10, F-9, etc.?
Prior to the 1950s, USAF fighter aircraft designations followed a sequential numbering system starting with “F” (e.g., F-86 Sabre). However, the rapid advancements in jet engine technology called for a clear distinction between the new generation and its predecessors. Consequently, the USAF implemented a new system, assigning all jet fighters developed after 1950 with “F-” designations followed by numbers starting from 100, thus creating the Century Series.
Fighters of the Century Series
F-100 Super Sabre (1953): Earning the distinction of being the first aircraft to break the sound barrier in level flight, the F-100 was a potent fighter-bomber. Boasting a powerful Pratt & Whitney J57 engine and armed with eight .50-caliber machine guns, it served with distinction in the Korean War and Vietnam War. Despite facing operational challenges later in its career, the F-100’s groundbreaking speed and firepower secured its place in aviation history.
F-101 Voodoo (1954): This unique twin-engine aircraft held the distinction of being the first operational supersonic jet bomber in the USAF. Capable of exceeding Mach 1.5 and carrying a wide array of weaponry, the F-101 served primarily as an all-weather interceptor during the Cold War. It also played a crucial role in reconnaissance missions and electronic warfare operations.
F-102 Delta Dagger (1956): The first aircraft to utilize the area rule design to reduce wave drag at transonic speeds, the F-102 was a dedicated interceptor throughout the Cold War. The delta-wing design, paired with a powerful J79 engine, allowed it to achieve speeds exceeding Mach 1. However, the F-102’s complex avionics and demanding handling characteristics limited its pilot pool.
F-104 Starfighter (1958): Renowned for its sleek delta-wing design and high speed, the F-104 became the first operational jet fighter to exceed Mach 2. This remarkable feat made it a symbol of American technological prowess during the Cold War. However, the F-104 faced challenges with pilot visibility and high landing speeds, leading to a concerning accident rate. Despite its operational hurdles, the F-104 served with numerous air forces worldwide and played a significant role in shaping the development of future fighter jets.
F-105 Thunderchief (1958): A single-seat, supersonic fighter-bomber, the F-105 played a significant role in the Vietnam War. Known for its impressive payload capacity and ability to withstand battle damage, it earned the nickname “Thud” for its distinctive sound during low-level bombing runs. The F-105 saw extensive use throughout the war, despite facing heavy losses due to enemy air defenses.
F-106 Delta Dart (1956): The last of the Century Series fighters, the F-106 was an all-weather interceptor designed for long-range missions and excelled in high-altitude performance. This powerful aircraft, equipped with advanced radar and armament, served as a vital asset for air defense throughout the Cold War. The F-106 remained in active service until the late 1980s, marking the end of the Century Series era.
While the Century Series aircraft are no longer in active service, they still captivate many aviation enthusiasts, like myself. Some of these planes, particularly the F-105 Thunderchief, saw significant action. These aircraft have contributed to the evolution of today’s fighter jets, especially the fourth-generation fighters.
First love never dies. I fell in love with airplanes and aviation when I was a kid. My dream was to become a pilot, but destiny led me to another path: to be an aviation digital media content creator and a small business owner. My passion for aviation inspires me to bring you quality content through my website and social accounts. Aviation is indeed in my blood and blog!
