North American F-86F Sabre
North American Aviation · USA · first flew 1952 · fighter
The F-86F introduced the definitive '6-3' wing that sacrificed leading-edge slats for extended chord, improving high-altitude manoeuvring in the Korean War's final months. It is the most refined gun-armed Sabre and the most exported fighter of the 1950s.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turbojet, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 11.43 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- 6-3 wing: extended leading edge without leading-edge slats, giving a slightly sharper leading-edge profile
- Round nose intake — shared with F-86A/E but modified to accommodate J47-GE-27 engine
- Six-gun arrangement flush with nose — same as F-86A/E but in a cleaner, more refined installation
The 6-3 wing's extended leading edge is subtle — the leading edge appears smoother without slat gaps visible on the A and E. Best distinguished from earlier marks by engine exhaust nozzle and overall cleanliness of the nose installation. Against the Canadair Sabre variants, the F-86F has a US-type intake without the Canadair's Orenda engine modifications.
Specifications
- The North American F-86F Sabre has a length of 11.43 m (37 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 11.31 m (37 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 1106 km/h (687 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flight 1952; 1,539 F-86Fs built by North American plus licence production in Japan (Mitsubishi) and Canada. Delivered to Korea in time for the war's final year and massively exported: Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Pakistan, Philippines, and many others. Pakistan's Sabres fought India's Mystères in 1965.
Variants
The F-86F-40 had modified leading-edge slats restored. The Japanese F-86F-40 (Mitsubishi-built) served JASDF until 1982. The Sabre 32 is an Australian-operated export.
Where you'll see it
USAF Korea 1952-1953; export service worldwide until the 1980s. Airworthy examples still fly at US airshows; numerous static aircraft at US and Asian museums.
Related aircraft
- North American XA2J Super Savage
- North American F-100 Super Sabre
- North American YF-93
- North American F-86D Sabre
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- Canadair Sabre Mk 4
- Dassault MD 454 Mystère IV
- Fouga CM.170 Magister
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