The Canadair Sabre is a license-built version of the North American F-86. In 1948, the Royal Canadian Air Force chose the F-86 for its first jet fighter. It was decided to license the design and build them in Canada. The first aircraft built were identical to those produced in the United States, but Canadair soon began making changes to the design. One of the most significant was the adoption of a different engine. The Sabre Mk. V introduced the Avro Canada Orenda engine which gave the aircraft more power and a better climb performance. Sabres served with the RCAF well into the 1960s and were exported to Germany, England, and Italy. Surplus Canadair Sabres were converted to drones for the U.S. Army and used in missile testing. Several former RCAF Sabres continue to fly with private owners.
Wingspan
37 ft 1 in.
Length
37 ft 6 in.
Height
14 ft 5 in.
Weight
13,791 lbs (loaded)
Maximum Speed
599 MPH
Service Ceiling
48,000 ft
Range
1,052 miles
Engine
One Avro Canada Orenda 10 turbojet with 6,500 pounds of thrust
Crew
1
Manufacturer Canadair
Markings Royal Canadian Air Force, 416 Squadron, Grostenquin Air Base, France, 1954
Serial Number 23147
Designation Sabre Mk. V
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