Initiated in 1958, deliveries of 50 North American F-100D Super Sabres were a matter of pride in Turkey, which in turn, became obvious in their gaudy markings. This example belonged to the first unit declared operational on this type, 111 Filo, from Eskisehir AB. Squadrons home-based there were marking noses of their aircraft in red and white and this jet (US FY-serial 54-2276) also received the ‘Panther’ insignia of 111 Filo. As usual for the period, the jet was otherwise left in bare metal overall. Originally intended to serve the THK’s long-range intercept capabilities and armed with GAR-8 air-to-air missiles and four internal 20mm cannons, during the Cyprus Crisis of 1964, they were deployed as fighter-bombers armed with M117 general purpose bombs and BLU-1B napalm tanks. (Artwork by Tom Cooper)