MILITARY AIRCRAFT A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z                    HOME ABOUT CATEGORIES SITE MAP COPYRIGHT ADVERTISE CONTACT entire Web this site F-86 Sabre North American XF-86 (S/N 45-59597, the first one built) Credit: U.S. Air Force The United States Air Force's first swept-wing jet fighter; the F-86 made its initial flight on Oct. 1, 1947. The first production model flew on May 20, 1948, and on Sept. 15, 1948, an F-86A set a new world speed record of 670.9 mph. Originally designed as a high-altitude day-fighter, it was subsequently redesigned into an all-weather interceptor (F-86D) and a fighter-bomber (F-86H). As a day fighter, the airplane saw service in Korea in three successive series (F-86A, E and F), where it engaged the Russian-built MiG-15. By the end of hostilities, it had shot down 792 MiGs at a loss of only 76 Sabres, a victory ratio of 10 to 1. More than 5,500 Sabre day-fighters were built in the United States and Canada. The airplane was also used by the air forces of 20 other nations, including West Germany, Japan, Spain, Britain and Australia. wing span 37 feet 1 inch length 37 feet 6 inches height 14 feet 8 inches weight 13,791 pounds (loaded) speed maximum: 685 mph cruise: 540 mph ceiling 49,000 feet (combat) power plant one General Electric J47 turbojet of 5,200 lbs thrust crew one contractor North American Related category    • MILITARY AIRCRAFT Source: U.S. Naval Historical Center Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) BACK TO TOP