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Today in History – April 11, 1955 – Contract to build XF-108 is issued.

April 11, 2021

North American Aviation is issued a preliminary contract to build prototypes of the XF-108 long-range interceptor aircraft for the USAF. “The North American XF-108 Rapier …

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Today in History – April 11, 1955 – Contract to build XF-108 is issued.

April 11, 2021

North American Aviation is issued a preliminary contract to build prototypes of the XF-108 long-range interceptor aircraft for the USAF. “The North American XF-108 Rapier …

Read More →

Apple, Robert N.

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Robert N. Apple

Preferred Name: Bob
Nickname/Call Sign: Dagmar
Date of Birth: October 16, 1933
Highest Military Grade Held: Select
Hometown: Sandborn, IN
Biography
Pilot Information
Biography

Started flying the Hun at Luke AFB as an instructor in the mid to late 50s. Les Leavoy was my fearless leader in those days. What that man had to put up with from all the young pilots in the Squadron probably had something to do with him becoming such a great leader. I flew over 1000 hours as IP at the 4515th CCTS and also was an upgrade instructor for IPs at Luke.

My most impressive mission was when I got an F model at the end of the day after the other instructors had been carrying a write-up on the artificial-feel all day. I had a student on his dollar ride and as such he was front seat and I lounging in the back. On take-off, he launched into the sky in a most unusual manner. Being the stellar master of flying I proceeded to show him the proper way. I soon discovered the aircraft was about to teach us a lesson.

As a Hun driver knows the emergency procedure for total artificial-feel failure is very short; GET THE HELL OUT. The student informed me he would bail so I could not leave him there to die and proceeded to make a back seat landing from a straight -in for which I got a good chewing out, and after which I sat lower in the seat for a few days until my ass healed. Oh, for the good old days. I truly loved the F-100 and often think of the times, the people, and the ones who have gone West and wish we could do it just one more time together.

Pilot Information

Units Assigned

  • 1954 Entered USAF
  • 1955-1962 4515th Combat Crew Training Squadron, Luke AFB, AZ (F-100)
  • 1978 Retired USAF

Awards & Decorations

Flight Info

  • F-100

Wall of Honor Location: Foil: 10 Panel: 3 Column: 4 Line: 39

Military & Civilian Education

Civilian Education:

  • Sandborn, IN High School

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The mission of the Super Sabre Society is to preserve the history of the F-100 Super Sabre and the men who flew the aircraft.

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