Canadair F-86 Sabre

Sabre 23757 was one of 390 Canadair CL-13B Sabre Mk 6 (the last version, with Avro Orenda 14 engines) that served with the RCAF. This Sabre is carrying the camouflage developed for all RCAF European-based operational aircraft. The photo was taken while the aircraft belonged to No. 1 Overseas Ferry Unit (OFU) based at St. Hubert, Quebec, which was formed in 1953 to ferry Sabres and T-33s across the North Atlantic.

Overview

The North American F-86 Sabre was first flown on October 1, 1947, and quickly proved a highly successful design. With the formation of NATO in 1949, the Canadian government made the decision to re-equip the RCAF’s front-line fighter squadrons with modern aircraft and selected the F-86 Sabre. Consequently, an agreement was reached between North American and Canadair Ltd. of Montréal to manufacture 100 F-86As in Canada. After the first prototype, designated CL-13 Sabre Mk 1, Canadair immediately began production in earnest with an improved Mk 2 model. The Mk 2 was essentially an F-86E with an “all flying” tail plane to provide better flying characteristics, as well as a flat windscreen. The next major production model was the Mk 4—which was originally to have been powered by an Orenda-designed engine but, to retain commonality with the F-86E, it also carried the J47-GE-13.

Various design improvements were incorporated throughout the aircraft and 438 Mk 4 Sabres rolled off the assembly lines. The Mk 5 Sabre was the first production model with a Canadian engine, using the Orenda 10 version and rated at 6,355-lb 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 per cent span position. These modifications were successful, but also resulted in a corresponding decrease in low-speed handling characteristics. After the construction of 370 Mk 5 aircraft, Canadair moved on to the final (and best) version, the Mk 6.

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 5 wing configuration. The Mk 6 therefore acquired superb combat manoeuvring. With this combination of engine and aerodynamics, the Mark 6 was widely regarded as the best “dog-fighter” of its era. The Golden Hawks teams of the RCAF initially flew Mk 5 aircraft, but were soon equipped with the excellent Mk 6 aircraft.

Designation	F-86
Model number	CL-13
Marks	Mk 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Role	Fighter
Taken on strength	1950
Struck off strength	1970
Number	1,184
Service	RCAF, Canadian Armed Forces

Technical Specifications (Mk 2)

Manufacturer	North American, designed and built by Canadair
Crew / passengers	One pilot in ejection seat
Powerplant	General Electric J-47-GE-13 turbojet at 5,200 lb (2,360 kg) thrust
Maximum speed	590 mph (949 km/h)
Service ceiling	47,200 ft (14 386 m)
Empty weight	10,434 lb (4,737 kg)
Gross weight	14,577 lb (6,618 kg)
Span	37 ft 11½ in (11.57 m)
Length	37 ft 6 in (11.43 m)
Height	14 ft 9 in (4.50 m)
Wing area	287.9 sq ft (26.74 m²)
Armament	Six .50-cal machine guns plus provisions for tanks, bombs and rockets (unguided)
Cost	Unknown

Technical Specifications (Mk 5)

Manufacturer	North American, designed and built by Canadair
Crew / passengers	One pilot in ejection seat
Powerplant	Orenda series 10 turbojet at 6,355 lb (2,883 kg) thrust
Maximum speed	605 mph (973 km/h)
Service ceiling	50,700 ft (15,453 m)
Empty weight	10,662 lb (4,840 kg)
Gross weight	14,634 lb (6,644 kg)
Span	37 ft 11½ in (11.57 m)
Length	37 ft 6 in (11.43 m)
Height	14 ft 9 in (4.50 m)
Wing area	302.3 sq ft (28.08 m²)
Armament	Six .50-cal machine guns plus provisions for tanks, bombs and rockets (unguided)
Cost	Unknown

Technical Specifications (Mk 6)

Manufacturer	North American, designed and built by Canadair
Crew / passengers	One pilot in ejection seat
Powerplant	Orenda series 14 turbojet at 7,275 lb (3,302 kg) thrust
Maximum speed	606 mph (975 km/h)
Cruising speed	489 mph (787 km/h)
Service ceiling	54,000 ft (16,458 m)
Range	1,486 mi (2,391 km)
Empty weight	10,618 lb (4,818 kg)
Gross weight	14,613 lb (6,634 kg)
Span	37 ft 11½ in (11.57 m)
Length	37 ft 6 in (11.43 m)
Height	14 ft 9 in (4.50 m)
Wing area	287.9 sq ft (26.74 m²)
Armament	Six .50-cal machine guns plus provisions for tanks, bombs and rockets (unguided)
Cost	$360,000