F-86 Sabre
The first proposals for the North American Aviation F-86
Sabre were made in 1944, but construction was not begun
until after World War II. Many elements of German jet
design were implemented in the Sabre. The XP-86
prototype, which would become the F-86 Sabre, flew on 1
October 1947
The F86 Sabre entered service in 1949. Main United States
Air Force jet fighter used in Korea. It often was placed
in combat against the superior Soviet MiG-15. Superior US
pilot training versus Korean and Chinese training
accounted for some of the US success in the air war.
Other factors included Soviet pilots' reluctance to
engage Americans over battlefields for fear of being
captured. Technically, the Soviet Union was not involved
in the Korean War, and as such could not afford captured
pilots. The Sabre was the first U.S. production aircraft
to be fitted with ejector seats.
The type was produced under licence by the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation in Australia, re-engined with the Rolls Royce Avon, and also by Canadair in Canada.
Approximately 9500 were constructed. Several are still held by private owners.
SPECIFICATIONS (F-86A)
Span: 37 ft. 1 in.
Length: 37 ft. 6 in.
Height: 14 ft. 8 in.
Weight: 13,791 lbs. loaded
Armament: Six .50-cal. machine guns and eight 5 in.
rockets or 2,000 lbs. of bombs
Engine: One General Electric J-47 turbojet of 5,200 lbs
thrust.
Cost: $178,000
Crew: One