Description
North American Aviation E4901-101 Pitot-Static and Pressure-Boom Adapter Kit for the F-100D Super Sabre
Item Overview
The North American Aviation E4901-101 Pitot-Static and Pressure-Boom Adapter Kit is original U.S. Air Force ground-support equipment manufactured during the early service years of the F-100D Super Sabre.
The kit contains two aluminum adapter assemblies that clamp around a specialized aircraft pressure boom. These adapters provided sealed connections for external pressure-test equipment. Technicians could then test the aircraft’s pitot-static system without conducting a flight.
This is removable aircraft maintenance equipment. It was not installed on the aircraft during normal flight.
Identification and Features
- Official designation: Adapter Kit, Pitot Static & Pressure Boom
- Kit part number: E4901-101
- Blueprint number: E4901
- Adapter assembly numbers: E4903 and E5270
- Number of adapters: Two
- Adapter material: Aluminum
- Case drawing number: ZCC60-126-D173
- Manufacturer: North American Aviation, Inc.
- U.S. Air Force contract: AF33(600)-31311
- Alternate contract format: AF33-600-31311
- Packing date: December 1957
- Case manufacturer: Zero Manufacturing Co.
- Case manufacturing location: Burbank, California
- Aircraft application: North American F-100D Super Sabre
- Equipment type: Aircraft ground-support and pressure-test equipment
The original fitted case protected the adapters and kept the aircraft-specific equipment together during transport and storage.
Purpose and Operation
The E4903 and E5270 adapters were designed to clamp around the aircraft’s pressure-sensing boom. Fittings on the adapters allowed a separate pitot-static test set to apply controlled pressure and vacuum.
The kit supported several maintenance checks:
- Pitot-pressure testing
- Static-pressure testing
- Calibration checks
- Pressure-line continuity checks
- System leakage checks
- Flight-instrument response checks
Pitot pressure measured the air forced into the front of the boom. Static pressure measured the surrounding atmospheric pressure. These signals supported the aircraft’s airspeed, altitude, vertical-speed, and Mach indications.
The adapters created the sealed connection needed for testing. They did not generate pressure or vacuum by themselves. A separate test set, hoses, gauges, and the correct technical procedures were required.
F-100D Contract Connection
Contract AF33(600)-31311 has also been documented on the data plate for F-100D-70-NA Super Sabre serial 56-3089, North American construction number 235-187.
The matching contract number, North American Aviation markings, 1957 packing date, and pressure-boom designation strongly identify this kit as tooling produced for the F-100D Super Sabre program. The contract connection does not mean this individual kit was assigned only to aircraft 56-3089.
F-100D Program Identification
Contract AF33-600-31311 is also documented on F-100D-70-NA Super Sabre serial 56-3089, North American construction number 235-187.
The matching contract number, North American Aviation markings, December 1957 packing date, and pressure-boom designation support this kit’s identification as tooling for the F-100D Super Sabre program.
The F-100D flight manual identifies the aircraft’s nose-mounted assembly as a folding pitot-static boom, which is the most likely application for these adapters.
Condition
This is original late-1950s military-surplus test equipment with its marked carrying case. The adapters and case may show scratches, finish wear, oxidation, staining, faded markings, worn seals, and other signs of age and storage.
Completeness and configuration should be determined from the product pictures. Only the adapters, fittings, case, and accessories pictured or specifically stated are included.
The kit has not been represented as calibrated or approved for active aircraft maintenance. Please review the pictures for the represented condition and markings.
Historical Background
The F-100 Super Sabre first flew in 1953 and became the world’s first operational fighter capable of supersonic speed in level flight. North American Aviation developed it from the earlier F-86 Sabre family.
The improved F-100D was designed as a fighter-bomber. The first D-model flew on January 24, 1956, and U.S. Air Force deliveries began later that year. More than 1,200 F-100Ds were built, making it the most widely produced Super Sabre variant.
The kit’s December 1957 packing date places it within the F-100D’s early production and field-service period. Accurate pitot-static information was critical for an aircraft operating from low altitude through supersonic speeds. Aircraft-specific test adapters helped technicians find leaks, inspect pressure plumbing, and verify instrument operation on the ground.
The F-100D later served extensively during the Vietnam War. It flew strike, close-air-support, escort, reconnaissance-support, and rescue-support missions. After leaving active Air Force service, many F-100Ds continued flying with Air National Guard units until 1979.
With its original numbered adapters, North American Aviation identification, dated markings, Air Force contract, and fitted Zero Manufacturing case, this kit is a well-documented example of early supersonic aircraft maintenance equipment.
Ideal For
- F-100D Super Sabre collections
- Cold War and Vietnam War aviation displays
- U.S. Air Force ground-support-equipment collections
- North American Aviation memorabilia
- Pitot-static and air-data equipment collections
- Military aircraft maintenance exhibits
- Aviation museums and restoration facilities
- Vintage aircraft-tool collections
Approx length 9", Approx width 4", Approx height9", Approx weight 4.5 lbs.
Pictures are stock images of our inventory. Unless otherwise noted, you will not be receiving the exact item shown in the pictures. The pictures are representative of the item’s general condition. The item you receive might be slightly better, or worse, condition than was shown in the pictures.
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