Built as a private venture progression of the F-86, the North American F-100 Super Sabre was the first in what would later be known as the Century Series of second generation USAF fighters. The Century Series were noteworthy for their supersonic speeds as well as highly advanced avionics and weapons capabilities. Compared to the Sabre, the Super Sabre had a new wing with 45 degree sweep, a low set slab tailplane, rear hinged clamshell canopy and extensive use of titanium in the structure, the first major production aircraft to do so. The F-100 went on to establish the first supersonic world air speed record in August 1955 and was later adapted to carry Sidewinder air-to-air missiles as well as being able to perform in the ground attack role. It was in this role that the majority of F-100s were used for during the Vietnam War until replaced by F-4s and F-105s. Foreign operators of the Super Sabre included Taiwan, Denmark, France, and Turkey the latter two which used it in combat over Algeria and Cyprus respectively.

The prototype YF-100A had its maiden flight on 25 May 1953 and entered service as the F-100A pure fighter, later replaced by the F-100C with attack capability as well as a strengthened wing, increased fuel, and inflight refuelling. Later, the F-100D would become the most widely manufactured variant and featured various structural improvements in the wings and fins as well as new avionics and missile capability. Other versions were the RF-100A reconnaissance units with cameras, the F-100F tandem two seat trainer version of the -100D and the QF-100D/F pilotless target drones. Some F-100D/Fs were also converted into the first USAF anti-radar dection and attack platforms armed with AGM-45 Shrike missiles and were known as the Wild Weasel despite retaining their original designations.