Formation of four F-86Ds by the "Sabre Knights" aerial demonstration team, 325th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, Hamilton Air Force Base, Calif. (U.S. Air Force photo)
Formation of four F-86Ds over San Francisco by the "Sabre Knights" aerial demonstration team, 325th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, Hamilton Air Force Base, Calif. (U.S. Air Force photo)
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
