Project High Wire
Encyclopedia
See also Project High Wire upgrades on F-100s

Project High Wire was an United States Air Force
United States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...

 modernization programme for selected North American Aviation
North American Aviation
North American Aviation was a major US aerospace manufacturer, responsible for a number of historic aircraft, including the T-6 Texan trainer, the P-51 Mustang fighter, the B-25 Mitchell bomber, the F-86 Sabre jet fighter, the X-15 rocket plane, and the XB-70, as well as Apollo Command and Service...

 F-100Cs, Ds and Fs Super Sabre
F-100 Super Sabre
The North American F-100 Super Sabre was a supersonic jet fighter aircraft that served with the United States Air Force from 1954 to 1971 and with the Air National Guard until 1979. The first of the Century Series collection of USAF jet fighters, it was the first USAF fighter capable of...

 that were still in active inventory. It consisted of two detailed modification groups: significant electrical rewiring upgrade
Upgrade
The term upgrade refers to the replacement of a product with a newer version of the same product. It is most often used in computing and consumer electronics, generally meaning a replacement of hardware, software or firmware with a newer or better version, in order to bring the system up to date...

, and heavy aircraft maintenance
Aircraft maintenance
Aircraft maintenance is the overhaul, repair, inspection or modification of an aircraft or aircraft component.Maintenance includes the installation or removal of a component from an aircraft or aircraft subassembly, but does not include:...

 and IRANi upgrade. These upgrades began in 1962.

Rewiring upgrade operation consisted of replacing old wiring and harnesses with improved maintainable designs. Heavy maintenance and IRAN included new kits, modifications, standardized configurations, repairs, replacements and complete refurbishment
Refurbishment
Refurbishment may refer to:*Refurbishment *Antiques restoration*Automotive restoration...

.

F-100Cs

Source: USAF F-100C Super Sabre - Flight Manual - Technical Order Upgrades T.O. 1F-100C(I)-1S-65 2 February 1971

A modification program of changes in maintenance procedures, major
wiring harnesses, IRANi uppgrade, and additional avionics
Avionics
Avionics are electronic systems used on aircraft, artificial satellites and spacecraft.Avionic systems include communications, navigation, the display and management of multiple systems and the hundreds of systems that are fitted to aircraft to meet individual roles...

.

1968 Basic Upgrades

  • Improved nose gear ground safety lock instructions
  • Improved use of 200 US gal (757.1 l). drop tank
    Drop tank
    In aeronautics, a drop tank is used to describe auxiliary fuel tanks externally carried by aircraft. A drop tank is expendable and often jettisonable...

    s and installation on outboard pylons
  • Restriction on takeoff
    Takeoff
    Takeoff is the phase of flight in which an aerospace vehicle goes from the ground to flying in the air.For horizontal takeoff aircraft this usually involves starting with a transition from moving along the ground on a runway. For balloons, helicopters and some specialized fixed-wing aircraft , no...

     with partially filled 450 US gal (1,703.4 l). drop tanks
  • Improved use of braking system with thermal expansion after high altitudes to prevent excessive pressure
    Pressure
    Pressure is the force per unit area applied in a direction perpendicular to the surface of an object. Gauge pressure is the pressure relative to the local atmospheric or ambient pressure.- Definition :...

    s and system failures.
  • Improve instructions on all ejection seat systems at low altitude bailouts

1970 High Wire Upgrades

A modernization programme of 3 simultaneous
Relativity of simultaneity
In physics, the relativity of simultaneity is the concept that simultaneity–whether two events occur at the same time–is not absolute, but depends on the observer's reference frame. According to the special theory of relativity, it is impossible to say in an absolute sense whether two events occur...

 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
Standardization is the process of developing and implementing technical standards.The goals of standardization can be to help with independence of single suppliers , compatibility, interoperability, safety, repeatability, or quality....

.
List of changes and rescinded(R):
  • Loose strap
    Strap
    A strap, sometimes also called strop, is an elongated flap or ribbon, usually of fabric or leather.Thin straps are used as part of clothing or baggage, or bedding such as a sleeping bag. See for example spaghetti strap, shoulder strap...

     end securing
  • Main gear
    Gear
    A gear is a rotating machine part having cut teeth, or cogs, which mesh with another toothed part in order to transmit torque. Two or more gears working in tandem are called a transmission and can produce a mechanical advantage through a gear ratio and thus may be considered a simple machine....

     tire failure landing
    Landing
    thumb|A [[Mute Swan]] alighting. Note the ruffled feathers on top of the wings indicate that the swan is flying at the [[Stall |stall]]ing speed...

    s
  • g
    G-force
    The g-force associated with an object is its acceleration relative to free-fall. This acceleration experienced by an object is due to the vector sum of non-gravitational forces acting on an object free to move. The accelerations that are not produced by gravity are termed proper accelerations, and...

     limitations - R
  • Spin recovery and canopy warning light
  • Additional information on external store
    External storage
    In computing, external storage comprises devices that temporarily store information for transporting from computer to computer. Such devices are not permanently fixed inside a computer....

     index system
  • Oxygen mask
    Oxygen mask
    An oxygen mask provides a method to transfer breathing oxygen gas from a storage tank to the lungs. Oxygen masks may cover the nose and mouth or the entire face...

     hose rerouting
  • Warning light on fuel
    Fuel
    Fuel is any material that stores energy that can later be extracted to perform mechanical work in a controlled manner. Most fuels used by humans undergo combustion, a redox reaction in which a combustible substance releases energy after it ignites and reacts with the oxygen in the air...

     shutoff switch – R
  • Additional loading configuration for Mk-82
    Mark 82 bomb
    The Mark 82 is an unguided, low-drag general-purpose bomb, part of the U.S. Mark 80 series. The explosive filling is tritonal.-Development and deployment:...

     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 36 inches (914.4 mm) fuze
    Fuze
    Fuze Beverage, commercially referred to as just Fuze , is a manufacturer of teas and non-carbonated fruit drinks enriched with vitamins. Currently the brand consists of five vitamin-infused lines: Slenderize, Refresh, Tea, Defensify, and Vitalize...

     extender
  • Store index numbers for Destructor M117D
    M117 bomb
    The M117 is an air-dropped general-purpose bomb used by United States military forces. It dates back to the time of the Korean War of the early 1950s. Although it has a nominal weight of 750 lb , its actual weight, depending on fuze and retardation options, is around 820 lb . Its explosive content...

  • Dispensing of C/B munitions – R
  • Store index numbers airspeed limits for CBU-24
  • Bomb arming switch information
  • Salvo
    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.Troops armed with muzzleloaders required time in which to refill their arms with gun powder and shot...

     of armed bombs
  • Flight limits for BLU-52/B bomb (chemical)
  • BLU-32/B Fire Bomb un-finned
  • Modification of oil pressure relief valve
    Relief valve
    The relief valve is a type of valve used to control or limit the pressure in a system or vessel which can build up by a process upset, instrument or equipment failure, or fire....

  • Information of AIM-9E air-to-air missile
    Air-to-air missile
    An air-to-air missile is a missile fired from an aircraft for the purpose of destroying another aircraft. AAMs are typically powered by one or more rocket motors, usually solid fuelled but sometimes liquid fuelled...

  • 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 450 US gal (1,703.4 l). 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 355 US gal (1,343.8 l). and 275 US gal (1,041 l). 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


This project 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. All manuals will have the Roman numeral (I) added after the aircraft number (i.e. T.O. 1F-100D(I)-1S-120, 12 January 1970

Aprroximately 700 D-models had been modified with Project High Wire.

Base Project High Wire

This upgrade is to provide aircrew
Aircrew
Aircrew are the personnel who operate an aircraft while in flight. The composition of the crew depends on the type of aircraft as well as the purpose of the flight.-Civilian:*Aviator** Pilot-in-command** First officer** Second officer** Third officer...

 information on aircraft for installation of Data
recorder (DR) equipment. DR is to record basic information on flight conditions i.e.,
velocity
Velocity
In physics, velocity is speed in a given direction. Speed describes only how fast an object is moving, whereas velocity gives both the speed and direction of the object's motion. To have a constant velocity, an object must have a constant speed and motion in a constant direction. Constant ...

, G-force
G-force
The g-force associated with an object is its acceleration relative to free-fall. This acceleration experienced by an object is due to the vector sum of non-gravitational forces acting on an object free to move. The accelerations that are not produced by gravity are termed proper accelerations, and...

, and altitude
Altitude
Altitude or height is defined based on the context in which it is used . As a general definition, altitude is a distance measurement, usually in the vertical or "up" direction, between a reference datum and a point or object. The reference datum also often 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:
  • VGHb 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 QRCc-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 36 inches (914.4 mm) 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 450 US gal (1,703.4 l). 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 355 US gal (1,343.8 l). and 275 US gal (1,041 l). drop tanks

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

See also

  • CAMPS
    CAMPS
    Civil Aircraft Missile Protection System or CAMPS is an infrared countermeasure against infrared-homed anti-aircraft missiles, specifically designed to defend civilian aircraft flying under against MANPADS....

     Civil Aircraft Missile Protection System
  • Electronic warfare
    Electronic warfare
    Electronic warfare refers to any action involving the use of the electromagnetic spectrum or directed energy to control the spectrum, attack an enemy, or impede enemy assaults via the spectrum. The purpose of electronic warfare is to deny the opponent the advantage of, and ensure friendly...

  • Electronic countermeasures
    Electronic countermeasures
    An electronic countermeasure is an electrical or electronic device designed to trick or deceive radar, sonar or other detection systems, like infrared or lasers. It may be used both offensively and defensively to deny targeting information to an enemy...


Footnotes

i. IRAN - Inspection and repair as necessary
a. TO - Technical Orders
b. VGH - Velocity-Gravity-Height
c. QRC - QuickReaction Capability
d.

External links

The source of this article is wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.  The text of this article is licensed under the GFDL.
 
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