Fighter Jets
Overview
The North American F-86 Sabre was a transonic jet fighter developed after World War II. Known for its swept-wing design, it became a prominent aircraft during the Korean War. The Sabre established the template for many early Cold War fighters.
Live Fleet Activity (F86)
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Specifications
Units
- Engine
- 1 × General Electric J47-GE-27 turbojet
- Engine type
- Jet
- Thrust
- 5,910 lbf · 26 kN
- Avionics
- —
- Wing tips
- No winglets
- Seats
- 1
- Crew
- —
- Cabin width
- —
- Cabin height
- —
- Cabin length
- —
- Exterior length
- 37 ft 5 in · 11.40 m
- Tail height
- 14 ft 9 in · 4.50 m
- Fuselage diameter
- 5 ft 3 in · 1.60 m
- Wing span
- 37 ft 1 in · 11.30 m
- Baggage volume
- —
- Gross weight
- —
- Empty weight
- —
- Max takeoff weight
- 18,200 lb · 8,250 kg
- Max landing weight
- —
- Max payload
- 5,300 lb · 2,400 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 840 gal · 3,200 L · 2,500 kg (Jet A)
- Max cruise speed
- 597 kt · 687 mph · 1,106 km/h
- Maximum speed
- —
- Cruise speed
- —
- Approach speed
- 108 kt · 124 mph · 200 km/h
- Range
- 1,325 nm · 1,520 mi · 2,450 km
- Fuel burn
- 2.10 nm/gal · 1.03 km/L
- Ceiling
- 49,600 ft · 15,100 m
- Rate of climb
- 10,000 ft/min · 51 m/s
- Takeoff distance
- 3,600 ft · 1,100 m
- Landing distance
- 2,350 ft · 710 m
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Operational Context
NAA F-86 Sabre — swept-wing jet fighter
The F-86 first flew in 1947 and entered service in 1949. Incorporating swept-wing aerodynamics, it was designed to achieve improved high-speed performance. The aircraft became widely recognized during the Korean War for its air-to-air engagements.
Powered by a General Electric J47 turbojet producing approximately 6,000 pounds of thrust (27 kN), the Sabre approached transonic speeds near Mach 0.9. Maximum takeoff weight was around 21,000 pounds (9,525 kg). Armament typically included six .50 caliber machine guns or later cannon.
The Sabre was exported widely and served in numerous air forces. Its performance and reliability made it one of the most important early jet fighters. The F-86 remains an enduring icon of the jet age.
Sources and references used for research and fact-checking.