North American F-86H Sabre

Produced in greater quantities than any other aircraft since the end of World War II, the F86 Sabre was the pride of the US Air Force during the Korean War, and the front line interceptor in most NATO and SEATO countries during the 1950’s. The Sabre was the swept wing version of the Navy’s FJ-1 Fury. The Sabre was the first aircraft to employ radar in head on targeting, carry all rocket armament, carry one pilot for flying and radar control, and have electronic engine fuel control. The Sabre jet was very popular with pilots of all countries and quickly gained a reputation in the skies over Korea. Sabres shot down 814 enemy aircraft during the Korean War with a loss of only 58 Sabre jets. This aircraft is on loan from the USAF.

According to the Air Force Historical Research Agency (AFHRA/RSA), Maxwell AFB, AL, the museum’s F-86H has the following history:

F-86H, s/n 53-1304, was manufactured by North American Aviation, Columbus OH and delivered to the USAF on 8 Apr 1955. Its assignments were:

Apr 1955 - To 413th Fighter Day Group (TAC), George AFB CA

Nov 1955 - To 479th Fighter Day Wing (TAC), George AFB CA

Jul 1956 - To 312th Fiqhter Bomber Wing (TAC), Clovis AFB NM

Oct 1956 - To 83rd Fighter Day Wing (TAC), Seymour Johnson AFB NC (deployed to Eglin AFB FL)

Dec 1957 - To 101st Fighter Interceptor/Tactical Fighter Squadron (ANG), Logan AP MA

Nov 1961 - To 102nd Tactical Fighter Wing (USAFE), Phalsbourg AB France

Jul 1962 - To 102nd Tactical Fighter Group (ANG), Logan AP MA

Mar 1963 - To 175th Tactical Fighter Group (ANG), Glenn L Martin AP MD

May 1968 - To 140th Tactical Fighter Wing (TAC), Cannon AFB NM

Dec 1968 - Returned to 175th Tactical Fighter Group

Jun 1970 - Dropped from inventory by donation to school or museum