North American F-86F 'Sabre'
The F-86 Sabre distinguished itself during the Korean War in battle against the MiG-15 fighters of China and North Korea. Replacing the earlier -A and -E models, the -F featured a new '6-3' wing without the slats found on the leading edge of the earlier models. The increased chord of the wing (6 inches at the root and 3 inches at the tip) and small boundary layer fences gave better maneuvering performance at high speeds. The -F was used both as an air superiority fighter and fighter-bomber during the latter stages of the war; replacing the F-80 and F-51 aircraft still being used in the Korean combat in 1952.
USAF S/N 51-13082 is an F-86F-20-NH, built by North American Aviation in Columbus, Ohio and delivered to the 126th Fighter Interceptor Squadron (ADC), Madison, Wisconsin on September 5, 1952. In July, 1953 it went to the 18th Fighter Interceptor Squadron (ADC), Minneapolis, Minn., with other assignments being to the 49th Fighter Interceptor Squadron (ADC), Dow AFB, Maine in May, 1954; 3595th Combat Crew Training Wing 9ATC), Nellis AFB, Nevada in December, 1954; 3525th Combat Crew Training Wing (ATC), Williams AFB, Arizona; 21st Fighter Interceptor Squadron (ANG), Andrews AFB, Maryland in May, 1957; and the 115th Fighter Interceptor Squadron (ANG), Van Nuys, California in October, 1957. Its last unit of assignment was the 195th Fighter Interceptor Squadron (ANG), Van Nuys, California in April, 1959. The aircraft was retired in October, 1959 and loaned to AMVETS Post 55 in Goleta, California. It was transported to the museum in April, 1986.
Our aircraft is marked in the colors of the 115th Fighter Squadron, California Air National Guard; the oldest Air Guard unit in the state. The aircraft was assigned to that unit in 1957-1959.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Power Plant: General Electric J47-GE-27; 5,970 lb. thrust turbojet.
Dimensions:
Span: 37 ft 1 in.
Length: 37 ft 6 in.
Height: 14 ft 8 in.
Performance:
Max Speed: 690 mph @ sea level.
Initial Climb: 10,000 ft per min.
Service Ceiling: 50,000 ft.
Range: 1,270 miles (w/tanks).
Armament: six .50 cal. M/G; 2,000 lb. bombs.
