#f-107a

Century Series - North American Aviation F-107A "Ultra Sabre"

The F-107A, originally F-100B, was conceived as a nuclear-capable, fighter-bomber version of the F-100 Super Sabre. A Mark 7 tactical nuclear gravity bomb was to be carried in a semi-recessed weapons bay under the aircraft, although this could be replaced with an additional fuel tank when flying under other roles. This requirement led to the unusual design of the dorsal-mounted variable-area inlet duct (VAID) above the cockpit. While causing concern among pilots over the danger of ejecting in this design, VAID was successfully used on the later A-5 Vigilante and XB-70 Valkyrie.

Contracts were signed for three prototypes in 1954, with the aircraft taking flight in 1956. The aircraft conducted a successful test program and competed with the Republic F-105 Thunderchief for a contract as the new USAF tactical fighter-bomber. Surprising many, the F-105 won, with Republic's desperate need for a defense contract often being given as the reasoning for the decision. The three prototype F-107As were then loaned to NACA (the pre-NASA National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics) for high-speed flight research, with one being damaged and later scrapped.