The prototype of this airplane was built in 1949. It was the first swept-wing airplane in the U.S. fighter inventory, and scored consistent victories over Russian-built MiG fighters during the Korean War, accounting for a final ratio of 10-to-1. All 39 United Nations jet aces won their laurels in Sabres. Four models of the craft (F-86A, E, F and H) were day fighters or fighter bombers, while the F-86D, K and L versions were all-weather interceptors. Successive models of the daylight versions--all designed to destroy hostile aircraft in flight or on the ground--were equipped with more powerful engines and armament systems that ranged from bombs and rockets to machine guns and cannon. All are rated in the 650 mph class with a 600-mile combat radius and a service ceiling of over 45,000 feet.

Recommended Reading Fighters over Korea By Warren E. Thompson F-86 Sabre By Robert F. Dorr

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