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, after the American liberation troops 'liberated' a number of working Messerschmitt Me 262 experimental jet from the Nazis. The XP-86 prototype, which would become the F-86 Sabre, first flew on October 1, 1947.

The F-86 Sabre entered service in 1949 and was the primary United States Air Force jet fighter used in the Korean War. It often was placed in combat against the superior Soviet MiG-15 and the MiG-19.

Superior US pilot training versus Korean and Chinese training accounted for some of the US success in the air war with a reported kill ratio of 14 to 1 by the Air Force in MiG Alley. MiG Alley was a hotbed for air-to-air combat near the Yalu River between the boundaries of Korea and China.

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. So-called "black-nosed" MiG's often had Soviet or Chinese intructors at the controls and were well-known by American pilots. In addition, the F-86 was considered a more maneuverable plane below 50,000 feet of altitude where the plane's hydraulics worked more efficiently due to temperature differences. American pilots encountering MiG's often tried to engage the enemy below that deck.

The Sabre was the first U.S. production aircraft to be fitted with ejector seats. The seats were fitted with an explosive charge which ejected the pilot at a high speed from the aircraft.

The F-86 was manufactured as both a fighter-interceptor and fighter-bomber. As such, several variations of the F-86 Sabre jet were introduced over time, with improvements and different armaments implemented. Early models such as the F-86(A) had thrust of only 5,200 lbf (23 kN) while later models such as the F-86(F) had as much as 10,000 lbf (44 kN) from its single engine. F-86(F)'s were the main fighter variation that saw action during the Korean War.

The fighter-bomber version could carry up to 2000 pounds (900 kg) of bombs, including an external fuel-type tank that could carry napalm. Both the interceptor and fighter versions carried six Browning M3 .50 in (12.7 mm) caliber machine guns in the nose. Guns were harmonized to converge at 1000 feet (300 m) in front of the aircraft with one tracer bullet for every five rounds. Most rounds used during the Korean War were API (Armor-piercing incendiary) bullets containing magnesium which ignited upon impact. Unguided 2.75 inch (70 mm) rockets were used on some of the fighters in target practice, but 5 inch (127 mm) rockets were later used in combat operations. The planes could also be fitted with an external ejectable fuel tank that added a few more hours of air time.

Triple-jet aces flying the F-86 in the Korean War included James McConnell who later died as a test pilot at Edwards Air Force Base. Colonel James Jabara at Kempo Air Force Base was also a triple-jet ace. Famous astronaut John Glenn also flew an F-86 during the war as a Marine Corps pilot.

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. Later improvements led to the F-100 Super Sabre, which was a larger aircraft with more powerful engines.

Approximately 9500 were constructed. Several are still held by private owners, including a handful that still fly at airshows and aviation events.

SPECIFICATIONS (F-86A)
Span: 37 ft 1 in (11.3 m)
Length: 37 ft 6 in (11.4 m)
Height: 14 ft 8 in (4.5 m)
Weight: 13,791 lb (6,300 kg) loaded
Armament: Six 0.5 in (12.7 mm) machine guns and eight 5 in (127 mm) rockets or 2,000 lb (900 kg) of bombs
Engine: One General Electric J-47 turbojet of 5,200 lb (24 kN) thrust.
Cost: $178,000
Crew: One

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Related Development	FJ Fury
Similar Aircraft	MiG-15 - Dassault Mystère - Saab 29
Designation Series	XP-83 - F-84 - XF-85 - F-86 - XF-87 - XF-88 - F-89
Related Lists	List of military aircraft of the United States - List of fighter aircraft

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