F-86H “Sabre”

The XF-86 made its first test flight on October 1, 1947. The first production model, the F-86A, was test flown in May 1948 and the Air Force received the Sabre jet on August 16, 1948. In September 1948, the F-86A set a world record of 570 miles per hour.   

In the fall of 1950, the communist forces in Korea introduced the Soviet-made swept-wing MIG-15 FAGOT jet fighter. Straight-winged American jet fighters were far outmatched by the MIG-15. To meet this threat, the USAF rushed the F-86A to Korea. The 4th and 51st Fighter Groups successfully fought the MIGs, despite diplomatic restrictions which prevented continuing attacks across the Yalu River into Communist China where the MIGs were based. Operating conditions were not ideal, with Korean winters being frigid and summers hot and dry. When it rained, the airfields turned into heavy mud. To add to these problems, logistic and maintenance support was frequently inadequate.  

The MIG-15 was faster than the F-86A and the newer E-model above 32,000 feet in level flight had a tighter turning radius and could climb faster. However, the F-86 bested the MIG-15 primarily due to its electronic gun sight, better armament and superior pilot skill.  

The Museum’s F-86 was accepted by the USAF on April 28, 1955, from the North American Aviation Factory in Port Columbus, Ohio.