CANADAIR
F86 SABRE
in "Golden Hawks" Aerobatic Team Colours.
The North American F-86 Sabre was first flown on 01 October 1947 and the
aircraft quickly proved to be a highly successful design. In 1949, with the
formation of NATO the Canadian government made the decision to re-equip the RCAF’s
front-line fighter squadrons with modern aircraft and the F-86 Sabre was type
selected.
Consequently, an agreement was reached between North American and
Canadair Limited of Montreal to manufacture 100 F-86As in Canada.
After the
first prototype, designated CL-13 Sabre Mk I, Canadair immediately began
production in earnest with an improved Mk II model. The Mark II was essentially
an F-86E with an "all flying " tailplane to provide better flying
characteristics as well as a flat windscreen. The next major production model
was the Mark IV which originally was to have been powered by an Orenda designed
engine but to retain commonality with the F-86E, it carried the J47-GE-13.
Various design improvements were incorporated throughout the aircraft. 438 Mk IV
Sabres rolled off the assembly lines. The Mark V Sabre was the first production
model with a Canadian engine utilizing the Orenda 10 version rated at 6,355 lbs
thrust. The bigger Orenda engine necessitated a larger diameter opening in
fuselage frames and stronger engine mounts.
An important structural modification
was the introduction of a fixed leading edge to replace the automatic slats on
earlier versions. This change was designed to enhance the high altitude
performance of the aircraft. Small wing fences were also introduced at the 70%
span position. These modifications were successful but also resulted in a
corresponding decrease in low speed handling characteristics.
After the
construction of 370 Mk V aircraft, Canadair moved on to the final (and best)
version, the Mark VI. This version carried the two stage Orenda 14 engine with a
7,275 lb thrust rating. The wing leading slats were re-introduced while
retaining portions of the Mk V wing configuration. The Mk VI therefore acquired
superb combat manoeuvring. With this combination of engine and aerodynamics, the
Mark VI was widely regarded as the best "dog-fighter" of its era. The
RCAF’s Golden Hawks team flew Mk V aircraft initially but were soon equipped
with the excellent Mk VI aircraft.
DETAILS
Manufacturer: North American designed and built by Canadair
Designation: F-86 Model No: CL-13 Marks: Mk 1,2, 3,4
,5, 6
Role: Fighter
TOS: 1950 SOS: 1970 No: 1184
Service: RCAF, CF
SPECIFICATIONS Mk VI
Crew / Passengers: 1 pilot in ejection seat
Powerplant: Orenda Series 14 Turbojet @ 7,440 lbs thrust
Performance: Max Speed: 698 kts (1,293 km/h) Cruising Speed: 552 kts
(1,023 km/h)
Service Ceiling: 54,100 ft (16,490 m) Range: 1,486 m (2,391 km)
Weights: Empty: 10,638 lbs (4,825 kg) Max T/O: 17,560 lbs (7,965 m)
Dimensions: Span: 37 ft 11/2 in (11.32 m) Length: 37 ft 6 in
(11.43 m) Height 14 ft 9 in (4.50 m)
Armament: Six .50 calibre machine guns + Provisions for tanks,
bombs, & rockets (unguided)
Original Cost: $360,000
