:''See also Project High Wire upgrades on F-100s'' F100DSuperSabreWingsMuseum

Project High Wire was a

United States Air Force The United States Air Force (USAF) is the air service branch of the United States Armed Forces, and is one of the eight uniformed services of the United States. Originally created on 1 August 1907, as a part of the United States Army Signal ...

(USAF) modernization programme for selected

North American Aviation North American Aviation (NAA) was a major American aerospace manufacturer that designed and built several notable aircraft and spacecraft. Its products included: the T-6 Texan trainer, the P-51 Mustang fighter, the B-25 Mitchell bomber, the F ...

F-100C, D and F Super Sabres that were still in active inventory. It consisted of two detailed modification groups: significant electrical rewiring upgrade, and heavy aircraft maintenance and IRAN (inspect and repair as necessary) upgrade. These upgrades began in 1962.

Rewiring Electrical wiring is an electrical installation of cabling and associated devices such as switches, distribution boards, sockets, and light fittings in a structure. Wiring is subject to safety standards for design and installation. Allowable ...

upgrade operation consisted of replacing old wiring and

harnesses A harness is a looped restraint or support. Specifically, it may refer to one of the following harness types: * Bondage harness * Child harness * Climbing harness * Dog harness * Pet harness * Five-point harness * Horse harness * Parrot harness * ...

with improved maintainable designs while heavy maintenance and IRAN included new kits, modifications, standardized configurations, repairs, replacements and complete

refurbishment Refurbishment may refer to: *Refurbishment (electronics) *Antiques restoration *Automotive restoration See also *Conservation and restoration of immovable cultural property *Reconstruction (architecture) * Remanufacturing *Renovation Ren ...

F-100Cs

:''Source: USAF F-100C Super Sabre - Flight Manual - Technical Order Upgrades T.O. 1F-100C(I)-1S-65 2 February 1971 '' The F-100Cs first saw action in March 1954 before officially entering USAF service on 14 July 1955 with the 450th Fighter Wing, Foster AFB. The aircraft was known for its efficacy as a platform for nuclear toss bombing due to its high top speed, although it shared a number of flaws with the F-100As. Key changes introduced by the modification program included changes in maintenance procedures, major wiring harnesses, IRAN^''i'' upgrade, and additional

avionics Avionics (a blend word, blend of ''aviation'' and ''electronics'') are the Electronics, electronic systems used on aircraft. Avionic systems include communications, Air navigation, navigation, the display and management of multiple systems, ...

. By 1968, Project High Wire implemented the following upgrades: * Improved

nose gear A nose is a protuberance in vertebrates that houses the nostrils, or nares, which receive and expel air for respiration alongside the mouth. Behind the nose are the olfactory mucosa and the sinuses. Behind the nasal cavity, air next passes th ...

ground safety lock instructions * Improved use of . drop tanks and installation on outboard pylons * Restriction on

takeoff Takeoff is the phase of flight in which an aerospace vehicle leaves the ground and becomes airborne. For aircraft traveling vertically, this is known as liftoff. For aircraft that take off horizontally, this usually involves starting with a t ...

with partially filled . drop tanks * Improved use of braking system with thermal expansion after

high altitude Altitude or height (also sometimes known as depth) is a distance measurement, usually in the vertical or "up" direction, between a reference datum and a point or object. The exact definition and reference datum varies according to the context ...

s to prevent excessive

pressure Pressure (symbol: ''p'' or ''P'') is the force applied perpendicular to the surface of an object per unit area over which that force is distributed. Gauge pressure (also spelled ''gage'' pressure)The preferred spelling varies by country and e ...

s and system failures. * Improve instructions on all

ejection seat In aircraft, an ejection seat or ejector seat is a system designed to rescue the aircraft pilot, pilot or other aircrew, crew of an aircraft (usually military) in an emergency. In most designs, the seat is propelled out of the aircraft by an ex ...

systems at low altitude bailouts The modernization programme adopted in 1970 involved 3

simultaneous Simultaneity may refer to: * Relativity of simultaneity, a concept in special relativity. * Simultaneity (music), more than one complete musical texture occurring at the same time, rather than in succession * Simultaneity, a concept in Endogenei ...

operations: an electrical rewiring operation, and a heavy maintenance improvements and IRAN operations. Also including design changes, safety instructions, aircraft characteristics, normal and emergency operations, and overall aircraft and documentation

standardization Standardization or standardisation is the process of implementing and developing technical standards based on the consensus of different parties that include firms, users, interest groups, standards organizations and governments. Standardization ...

List of changes and rescinded(R)

* Loose

strap A strap, sometimes also called strop, is an elongated wikt:flap, flap or ribbon, usually of leather or other flexible materials. Thin straps are used as part of clothing or baggage, or bedding such as a sleeping bag. See for example spaghetti s ...

end securing * Main

gear A gear is a rotating circular machine part having cut teeth or, in the case of a cogwheel or gearwheel, inserted teeth (called ''cogs''), which mesh with another (compatible) toothed part to transmit (convert) torque and speed. The basic pr ...

tire failure landings * g limitations - R * Spin recovery and canopy warning light * Additional information on external store index system *

Oxygen mask An oxygen mask provides a method to transfer breathing oxygen gas from a storage tank to the lungs. Oxygen masks may cover only the nose and mouth (oral nasal mask) or the entire face (full-face mask). They may be made of plastic, silicone, or r ...

hose rerouting * Warning light on

fuel A fuel is any material that can be made to react with other substances so that it releases energy as thermal energy or to be used for work. The concept was originally applied solely to those materials capable of releasing chemical energy but ...

shutoff switch – R * Additional loading configuration for

Mk-82 The Mark 82 (Mk 82) is an unguided, low- drag general-purpose bomb, part of the United States Mark 80 series. The explosive filling is usually tritonal, though other compositions have sometimes been used. Development and deployment Wi ...

and Snakeye I (Mk-82 w/drag fins) bombs * "CAUTION" note on tail skid * In-flight refueling ready light * Addition stores index numbers * Landing pattern usage * A/A37U-15 Tow Target index numbers * Turn-and-slip indicator information * Additional store information * Store index numbers for MK-82 bomb with

fuze In military munitions, a fuze (sometimes fuse) is the part of the device that initiates function. In some applications, such as torpedoes, a fuze may be identified by function as the exploder. The relative complexity of even the earliest fuze d ...

extender * Store index numbers for Destructor M117D * Dispensing of C/B munitions – R * Store index numbers airspeed limits for

CBU-24 The CBU-24 (Cluster Bomb Unit-24) is an unguided, aircraft delivered anti-personnel and anti-materiel weapon developed by the United States. Because it is an unguided weapon, the CBU-24 can be carried and dropped by any aircraft capable of carrying ...

* Bomb arming switch information *

Salvo A salvo is the simultaneous discharge of artillery or firearms including the firing of guns either to hit a target or to perform a salute. As a tactic in warfare, the intent is to cripple an enemy in one blow and prevent them from fighting b ...

of armed bombs * Flight limits for BLU-52/B bomb (chemical) * BLU-32/B Fire Bomb un-finned * Modification of oil pressure relief valve * Information of AIM-9E

air-to-air missile The newest and the oldest member of Rafael's Python family of AAM for comparisons, Python-5 (displayed lower-front) and Shafrir-1 (upper-back) An air-to-air missile (AAM) is a missile fired from an aircraft for the purpose of destroying a ...

* 90 degree rotation of A/ARC-34 * Information of SUU-20/A Practice Dispenser * Relocation of sight selector unit * Installation of data recording system

1970 High Wire Supplementals

* High stresses in the N2 Compressor of the J57-21, -21A engines * Installation of . air refueling drop tanks and gauges * Installation of in-flight refueling probe extension * Installation of AIM-9B provisions * Installation of true airspeed indicator * Provisions for in-flight refueling of external tanks * Installation of EPR system * Installation of ILS AN/ARN-31 system * Removal of supplementary oil tank * Standardization of takeoff trim setting * 90 degree rotation of AN/ARC-34 * installation of canopy breakaway tool * modification of dispenser and rocket system * installation of variable intensity light control * automatic electrical caging – A-4 sight * deactivation of attitude indication system during ground maintenance * installation of fuel system shutoff valve fail light * installation of relay in gun camera circuitry * installation of exterior floodlights * installation of data recording equipment * installation of cockpit selectable hi-lo drag bomb capability * installation of anticollision lights * relocation of variable rocket depression unit * automatic throttle positioning in case of throttle linkage failure * modification of fuel control and addition of extended range afterburner * modification of engine fuel pump transfer valve * modification of oil pressure relief valve

1971 High Wire Supplementals

* Information on arresting systems and approach end engagements * Information of fuel system shutoff valve * Flight limits on SUU-20/A practice dispensers with BDU-33/B, -33A/B, -33B/B bombs * Information on SUU-20 series * Information on LAU-3 Rocket Launcher * Operating procedures on HBU-2B/A Lap Belt * Information on minimum altitude of attempting an air start * Information on wind-blast injury during ejections * High stresses in the N2 Compressor * Information on pitch damper system deactivation * Information on partially filled . and . drop tanks

Block Numbers for C-model High Wire Mods

Project High Wire modifications were extensive and dictated a change in the block number assignment, i.e.: F-100C-10-NH to F-100C-11-NH :Block No.s.......S/N Range......................Block number change : F-100C-1-NA .... AF 53-1709 to –1778 ... F-100C-2-NA ::::: and 54-1740 to –1769 : F-100C-6-NA .... AF 54-1770 to –1814 : F-100C-11-NH ... AF 55-2709 to –2733 : F-100C-16-NA ... AF 54-1615 to –1859 : F-100C-21-NA ... AF 54-1860 to –1969 : F-100C-26-NA ... AF 54-1970 to –2120 ''Note: NA – Los Angeles, CA and NH – Columbus, OH''

F-100Ds and Fs

:''Source: USAF F-100D,F Super Sabre - Flight Manual - Technical Order: 1F-100D(I)-1S-120 dated 12 January 1970'' F-100D High Wire T-O Manual

The F-100D was also a fighter-bomber but an improved version of the F-100C. One of its notable features was the wing outfitted with an increased root chord, which expanded the total wing area to 400.18 square feet. It also has landing flaps, which gave the aircraft its crank-wing trailing edge - one of its distinguishing features. While the aircraft's first aerial demonstration performance ended in disaster after the plane exploded, it still went on to become the most celebrated and widely produced variant of the F-100. Project Highwire modified approximately 700 F-100D models. The changes required all new manuals (TOs)^a and incremented (i.e. -85 to -86) block numbers. All later production models, especially the F models, included earlier High Wire mods. New manuals included colored illustrations.

Base Project High Wire

This upgrade was to provide

aircrew Aircrew, also called flight crew, are personnel who operate an aircraft while in flight. The composition of a flight's crew depends on the type of aircraft, plus the flight's duration and purpose. Commercial aviation Flight deck positions ...

information on aircraft for installation of Data recorder (DR) equipment. DR is to record basic information on flight conditions i.e.,

velocity Velocity is the directional speed of an object in motion as an indication of its rate of change in position as observed from a particular frame of reference and as measured by a particular standard of time (e.g. northbound). Velocity is a ...

G-force The gravitational force equivalent, or, more commonly, g-force, is a measurement of the type of force per unit mass – typically acceleration – that causes a perception of weight, with a g-force of 1 g (not gram in mass measure ...

, and

altitude Altitude or height (also sometimes known as depth) is a distance measurement, usually in the vertical or "up" direction, between a reference datum and a point or object. The exact definition and reference datum varies according to the context ...

. This data will be used to study the results of various mission requirements and determine the effects on the fatigue life of the aircraft structures: * VGH^b A/A24U-10 Recorder * Magnetic tape media * Records during gun firing, store release, in-flight refueling, change in nose gear load switch position * Powered by the primary bus * TRK-77/A24U Accelerometer * VGH REC/LDG POS CONTROL, no cockpit controls

Other 1970 changes

: ''Includes previous'' T.O. -1S-nnn ''supplemental upgrades, as'' nnn ''listed below:'' * -119 Relocation of Sight Selector Unit and relocation of Variable Rocket Depression Unit * -118 Information on ECM Pod QRC^c-160-8 (AN/ALQ-87) * -117 Information on variety of ordnance and special stores * -116 Classified * -115 For F-100Fs * -114 Classified * -112 Modified Oil Pressure Relief Valve for J-57 * -111 Relocation of Fuel Boost Pump and test switch * -110 CBU-42/A authorization * -109 BLU-32/B Firebomb Unfinned * -108 Information on CBU-37/A

Initial High Wire Upgrades

: ''31 August 1967 - 15 December 1969'' A modernization programme of 2 simultaneous operations: an electrical rewiring operation, and a heavy maintenance improvements and IRAN operations. Also including design changes, safety instructions, aircraft characteristics, normal and emergency operations, and overall aircraft and documentation standardization. List of changes and rescinded(R): * Loose strap end securing * Main gear tire failure landings * G limitations - R * Spin recovery and canopy warning light * Additional information on external store index system * Oxygen mask hose rerouting * Warning light on fuel shutoff switch - R * Additional loading configuration for MK-82 and Snakeye I Bomb * CAUTION note on tail skid * In-flight refueling ready light * Addition stores index numbers * Landing pattern usage * A/A37U-15 Tow Target index numbers * Turn and slip indicator information * Additional store information * Store index numbers for MK-82 with Fuse Extender * Store index numbers for Destructor M117D * Dispensing of C/B munitions - R * Store index numbers airspeed limits for CBU-24 * Bomb arming switch information * Salva of armed bombs * Flight limits for BLU-52/B bomb * BLU-32/B Fire Bomb un-finned * Modification of oil pressure relief valve * Information of AIM-9E air-to-air missile * 90 degree rotation of A/ARC-34 * Information of SUU-20/A Practice Dispenser

1970 High Wire Supplementals

* F-100 "G" restrictions * High stresses in the N2 Compressor of the J57-21, -21A engines * Installation of . air refueling drop tanks and gauges * Installation of in-flight refueling probe extension * Installation of AIM-9B provisions * Installation of true airspeed indicator * Provisions for in-flight refueling of external tanks * Installation of EPR system * Installation of ILS AN/ARN-31 system * Removal of supplementary oil tank * Standardization of takeoff trim setting * 90 degree rotation of AN/ARC-34 * installation of canopy breakaway tool * modification of dispenser and rocket system * installation of variable intensity light control * automatic electrical caging - A-4 sight * deactivation of attitude indication system during ground maintenance * installation of fuel system shutoff valve fail light * installation of relay in gun camera circuitry * installation of exterior floodlights * installation of data recording equipment * installation of cockpit selectable hi-lo drag bomb capability * installation of anticollision lights * relocation of variable rocket depression unit * automatic throttle positioning in case of throttle linkage failure * modification of fuel control and addition of extended range afterburner * modification of engine fuel pump transfer valve * modification of oil pressure relief valve

1971 High Wire Supplementals

Block Numbers for D-model High Wire Mods

D-model High Wire modifications were also performed on A-models and previously upgraded C-models. Most D-model modifications mandated the change in the block number of the aircraft; thus increasing the block number by one unit value, i.e.: F-100D-10-NH to F-100D-11-NH. Serial Number Information: :Block No.s......S/N Range......Block number change :YF-100A-NA....52-5754/55 :F-100A-01-NA 52-5756 ~ 5765 :F-100A-05-NA 52-5766 ~ 5778 :F-100A-10-NA 53-1529 ~ 1568 :F-100A-15-NA 53-1569 ~ 1608 :F-100A-20-NA 53-1609 ~ 1708 :F-100C-01-NA 53-1709 ~ 1778..F-100C-02-NA (See F-100C High Wire Descriptions) :F-100C-05-NA 54-1740 ~ 1769..F-100C-06-NA :F-100C-10-NA 54-1770 ~ 1814..F-100C-11-NA :F-100C-15-NA 54-1815 ~ 1859..F-100C-16-NA :F-100C-20-NA 54-1860 ~ 1970..F-100C-21-NA :F-100C-25-NA 54-1971 ~ 2120..F-100C-26-NA :F-100C-10-NH 55-2709 ~ 2733..F-100C-11-NA :F-100D-01-NA 54-2121 ~ 2132 :F-100D-05-NA 54-2133 ~ 2151 :F-100D-10-NA 54-2152 ~ 2221 :F-100D-15-NA 54-2222 ~ 2303 :F-100D-20-NA 55-3501 ~ 3601 :F-100D-25-NA 55-3602 ~ 3701..F-100D-26-NA :F-100D-30-NA 55-3702 ~ 3814..F-100D-31-NA :F-100D-35-NH 55-2734 ~ 2743 :F-100D-40-NH 55-2744 ~ 2783 :F-100D-45-NH 55-2784 ~ 2863..F-100D-46-NA :F-100D-50-NH 55-2864 ~ 2908..F-100D-51-NA :F-100D-55-NH 55-2909 ~ 2954..F-100D-56-NA :F-100D-60-NA 56-2903 ~ 2963..F-100D-61-NA :F-100D-65-NA 56-2963 ~ 3022..F-100D-66-NA :F-100D-70-NA 56-3023 ~ 3142..F-100D-71-NA :F-100D-75-NA 56-3143 ~ 3198..F-100D-76-NA :F-100D-80-NH 56-3351 ~ 3378..F-100D-81-NA :F-100D-85-NH 56-3379 ~ 3463..F-100D-86-NA :F-100D-90-NA 56-3199 ~ 3346..F-100D-91-NA :F-100F-01-NA 56-3725 ~ 3739..F-100F-02 :F-100F-05-NA 56-3740 ~ 3769..F-100F-06 :F-100F-10-NA 56-3770 ~ 3919..F-100F-11 :F-100F-15-NA 56-3920 ~ 4019..F-100F-16..(~4016) :____________58-6975 ~ 6983 :____________59-2558 ~ 2563 :F-100F-20-NA 58-1205 ~ 1233..F-100F-21 Total Production 2,294
''Note: NA - Los Angeles, CA and NH - Columbus, OH''

Footnotes

:''i''. IRAN - Inspection and repair as necessary :a. TO - Technical Orders :b. VGH - Velocity-Gravity-Height :c. QRC - QuickReaction CapabilityAIAA.ORG: ''Quick Reaction Capability''
/ref> :d.

References

* USAF F-100C Super Sabre - Flight Manual - Technical Order: 1F-100C(I)-1S-65; 2 February 1971 * USAF F-100D Super Sabre - Flight Manual - Technical Order: 1F-100D(I)-1S-120; 12 January 1970

External links

{{North American Aviation aircraft Projects of the United States Air Force

F-100Cs

List of changes and rescinded(R)

1970 High Wire Supplementals

1971 High Wire Supplementals

Block Numbers for C-model High Wire Mods

F-100Ds and Fs

Base Project High Wire

Other 1970 changes

Initial High Wire Upgrades

1970 High Wire Supplementals

1971 High Wire Supplementals

Block Numbers for D-model High Wire Mods

See also

Related ECMs

Footnotes

References

External links