|
|
Home > Fact Sheets > North American F-86 (Interceptor D, K and L Models)
NORTH AMERICAN F-86 (INTERCEPTOR D, K AND L MODELS)
The F-86D (known briefly as the YF-95A) made its first flight on Dec. 22, 1949. It was developed as an all-weather interceptor version of the famed F-86A, the airplane that won supremacy of the skies from the MiG-15 during the Korean War. The F-86D was used during the 1950s -- both in the United States and overseas -- to guard against possible air attack. In all, 2,506 D models (including two YF-86Ds) were produced.
The F-86D is known for two historic firsts. It was the first USAF airplane to have all-rocket armament and the first all-weather interceptor to carry only one person for operating the radar fire control system as well as piloting the airplane. It also had the unique distinction of succeeding itself in setting a new world's speed record-- 698.505 mph on Nov. 19, 1952, and 715.697 mph on July 16, 1953.
The National Museum of the United States Air Force has an F-86D on display in its Cold War Gallery.
| Type |
Number built/
converted |
Remarks |
| YF-86D |
2 (cv) |
Prototype interceptor |
| F-86D |
2,504 |
Production model |
| YF-86K |
2 (cv) |
Modified F-86D |
| F-86K |
120* |
Four 20mm cannon rep. rocket arm |
| F-86L |
800 (cv) |
Modified F-86D |
* Many more F-86Ks were built under license agreement.
TECHNICAL NOTES (F-86D):
Armament: 24 2.75 in. Mighty Mouse folding fin aircraft rockets (FFAR)
Engine: One General Electric J47 turbojet of 7,650 lbs. thrust
Maximum speed: 715 mph
Cruising speed: 550 mph
Range: 800 miles
Combat ceiling: 50,000 ft.
Span: 37 ft. 1 in.
Length: 40 ft. 4 in.
Height: 15 ft. 0 in.
Weight: 19,975 lbs. loaded
Crew: One
Click here to return to the Fighter Aircraft index.
|  |
|
|
|
|
Printable Fact Sheet
