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