North American F-86L 'Dog Sabre'
Built by North American Aviation, a radar guided, rocket armed, all-weather fighter-interceptor derived from the F-86 'Sabre' of Korean War fame. Originally designated the F-86D, the aircraft underwent modifications to upgrade the original radar/fire control systems to provide 'data-link' capability between the aircraft and ground controllers, eliminating the use of vocal instructions during intercept missions. New wing slats and an increase in wing span of 2 feet improved performance of the -L over the -D.
USAF S/N 5102968 was built as an F-86D-20-NA by North American Aviation in Inglewood, California, and delivered to the Air Force on April 22, 1953. It was first sent to the 97th Fighter Interceptor Squadron (ADC), Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio. In March, 1955 it went to the 3555th Combat Crew Training Wing (ATC), Perrin AFB, Texas. It was sent to Fresno, California for modification to an F-86L in February, 1957. In November, 1959 it went to the 124th Fighter Interceptor Group (ANG), Boise, Idaho where it remained until it was retired in April, 1964. The aircraft was obtained by a rancher in Texas, who donated it to the museum in 1983.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Crew: One.
Power Plant: one General Electric J47-GE-27, 5,970 lb. thrust turbojet.
Dimensions:
Span: 39 ft 1 in.
Length: 41 ft.
Height: 14 ft.
Weight: Max - 16,500 lbs.
Performance:
Max. Speed: 670 mph.
Service Ceiling: 53,000 ft.
Tactical Radius: 535 miles.
Armament: Twenty-four 2.75 inch unguided rockets carried in an internal tray in fuselage.
