North American F-86 Sabre
The North American F-86 Sabre was the first American swept-wing jet fighter and the iconic U.S. fighter of the Korean War. First flown in October 1947, its 35-degree swept wing, derived from captured German research, gave it the transonic performance to meet the Soviet MiG-15 on equal terms. Over the skies of "MiG Alley," Sabre pilots claimed a lopsided kill ratio that made the aircraft a Cold War legend. Built by North American Aviation and powered by the General Electric J47 turbojet, the day-fighter Sabre carried six .50-caliber machine guns and could also haul bombs and rockets as a fighter-bomber.
Later all-weather variants such as the radar-equipped F-86D traded the guns for rockets in the interceptor role. Produced in the thousands and flown by dozens of air forces around the world, the Sabre became one of the most widely used and beloved fighters of the early jet age.
Specifications
- Manufacturer
- North American Aviation
- Type
- Fighter / fighter-bomber
- Crew
- 1
- First Flight
- October 1, 1947
- Powerplant
- General Electric J47 turbojet, ~5,900 lb thrust
- Max Speed
- 688 mph
- Range
- 1,317 miles
- Service Ceiling
- 50,000 ft
- Length
- 37 ft 6 in
- Wingspan
- 37 ft 1 in
- Loaded Weight
- 17,000 lb (gross)
- Armament
- 6 x .50 cal machine guns; bombs and rockets