F-86 Sabre

The F-86 Sabre was a subsonic combat aircraft developed for the US Air Force. It was developed in 1940s following the end of WWII and was one of the most prolific jet fighters produced. 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. The XP-86 prototype, which would become the F-86 Sabre, first flew on October 1, 1947. Some people contest that the XP-86 broke the sound barrier on this flight, 14 days before Chuck Yeager went supersonic in the Bell X-1 making test pilot George Welch the first pilot to achieve this milestone.

Related Topics:
Subsonic - 1944 - World War II - October 1 - 1947 - Chuck Yeager - Bell X-1 - George Welch

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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.

Related Topics:
Ejector seat - Explosive

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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.

Related Topics:
Bomber - Jet - Engine - Korean War

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The fighter-bomber version (F-86H) 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 (Later versions of the F-86H carried four 20 mm cannon instead of machine guns). 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.

Related Topics:
Napalm - Browning - Tracer bullet - Korean War - Magnesium - Rockets - Fuel

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