North American F-86A Sabre

America's first swept-wing jet fighter, the F-86 Sabre joined the ranks of great fighter aircraft during combat operations high above the Yalu River in Korea. Even though they could not pursue the enemy across the Chinese border, Sabre pilots established an impressive shoot-down advantage against enemy MiGs. Sabre designers capitalized on captured German aerodynamic data, which showed that swept wings delayed air compressibility effects encountered at high subsonic airspeeds. Swept-wing aircraft could therefore be controlled at much higher speeds than similar straight-wing aircraft.

This F-86A saw combat against MiG-15s during the Korean War. It flew most of its missions from Kimpo Air Base near Seoul and bears the markings of the 4th Fighter Wing, the first F-86 unit in Korea.

Photo 159, Udvar-Hazy Center, 2013

North American F-86 Sabre

Captain Dale O. Snodgrass retired from the U.S. Navy in 1999 "high-time" in an F-14 Tomcat with over 4,800 hours and over 1,200 carrier arrest landing. Although his Navy career is over, his love for flying continues. He has joined the AT&T Military Team and will represent AT&T in a vintage F-86 warbird.

Photo f86.2, Hanscom Field, 2002

North American F-86 Sabre

F86 Saberjet in flight in formation with an A10

Photo a10sabre.2, Hanscom Field, 2002

North American F-86 Sabre

F86 Saberjet in flight in formation with an A10

Photo a10sabre.3, Hanscom Field, 2002

North American F-86 Sabre

F86 Saberjet in flight in formation with an A10

Photo a10sabre.4, Hanscom Field, 2002