After nearly thirty years, Dean Cutshall’s custodianship of the remarkable North American Aviation F-100F Super Sabre, N2011V—the only example of the type currently flying—has come to an end. Citing increasing difficulties in obtaining insurance for continued flight operations, along with the advanced age of both himself and the core maintenance crew, Cutshall concluded that the time had come to pass stewardship of the Cold War–era fighter to a new owner. North American F-100 Super Sabre, USAF serial number 56-3948, has been acquired by businessman and warbird pilot Jordan Brown. The aircraft will be operated by Vintage Wings Aircraft LLC and based at Terre Haute Regional Airport (Hulman Field).
According to the new ownership team, the mission for the aircraft extends well beyond simply bringing it to Terre Haute for static display. The intent is to keep the Super Sabre flying, honoring the generation that served during the Vietnam era and inspiring a new generation through active operation. The F-100 also has strong historical ties to the Terre Haute community through its association with the Indiana Air National Guard’s 181st. Maintaining the aircraft in airworthy condition will require a dedicated volunteer team. The project team emphasized the need for support: “Keeping this aircraft in its current condition and flying will require a dedicated team of volunteers. We are seeking individuals with a broad range of experience and skills, including—but not limited to—crew chiefs, maintenance personnel specializing in engines and airframes, egress systems, ECS and environmental systems, AGE support, and more. Since this aircraft will travel to airshows across the country, we also welcome volunteers willing to support operations both on the road and at Hulman Field.”
Dean Cutshall first acquired the Super Sabre in 1995 from Sierra Hotel Inc. of Addison, Texas, which had previously purchased the aircraft from TRACOR/Flight Systems, Inc. of Mojave, California. TRACOR had ferried this aircraft, along with F-100C and F-100D models, from Turkey in 1989, where they had last served with the Turkish Air Force under the serial 3-948. Upon arrival in the United States, the aircraft was registered as N2011V. TRACOR/Flight Systems used F-86 and F-100 Sabres for target-drogue towing contracts, though 56-3948 was not made airworthy immediately and was placed into storage. While the aircraft appeared immaculate—polished and painted in the markings of an F-100F flown by World War II ace Francis “Gabby” Gabreski (serial 56-3868) during his tenure commanding the 354th Tactical Fighter Wing at Myrtle Beach AFB from 1956 to 1960—significant work was required beneath the skin to return it to flying condition.
Looking ahead, Jordan Brown is optimistic about the aircraft’s future. “We plan to have it flying for the 2026 season. Fortunately, Terre Haute has a strong connection to the 181st Intelligence Wing of the Indiana Air National Guard, and we have access to a solid pool of retired personnel. I’m hopeful we can recruit the talent needed to keep the ‘Hun’ flying,” Brown said.
As F-100F Super Sabre N2011V transitions to new custodianship, the warbird community owes a deep debt of gratitude to Dean Cutshall and his dedicated crew for keeping this iconic Cold War fighter flying for nearly three decades, honoring the pilots and maintainers who served with the type. Vintage Aviation News wishes Jordan Brown and the Vintage Wings Aircraft team every success as they begin this new chapter in the aircraft’s remarkable story.
