The tall and narrow vertical fin was swept back, and was provided with a thin rudder. Two underwing drop tanks each carrying 275 US gallons could be fitted. The mainwheels retracted inwards into the fuselage, and the twin nose wheels retracted backwards into the fuselage. Heat-resistant titanium was used in the initial design stage, marking the first time that this metal had been used in large quantities in an airplane. In fact, North American actually used 80 percent of all the titanium produced in the United States until 1954 in the manufacture of the Super Sabre.
Titanium is an extremely strong and light metal and is more resistant to heat than is aluminum.
However, it is rather brittle and difficult to machine, and the extensive use of titanium sent the cost of Super Sabre manufacture through the roof. Ammunition capacity was 275 rpg. This engine was, however, derated from these numbers and was not tuned up to give its full power. Company test pilot George S. Welch made the maiden flight on May 25, 1953. The YF-100A exceeded the speed of sound on its first flight.