North American F-86D Sabre

An intelligence warning in 1948 prompted the U.S. Air Force to hurriedly develop an all-weather interceptor. Starting with the basic airframe of its F-86A, North American incorporated two unprecedented concepts into the F-86D (initially designated the F-95). First, a highly sophisticated electronic system replaced the second crewmember carried by other interceptors of the time. Second, the F-86D became the first production single-seat fighter to which air-to-air missiles replaced the classic gun armament. With its air intake reshaped to make room for the enclosed radar, the F-86D -- nicknamed "Sabre Dog" -- presented a distinctive profile. The interception radar (from Hughes Aircraft Co.) and associated fire-control computed the target's position, guided the aircraft on an intercept course to within 500 yards of the target, lowered the retractable tray of 24 rockets, and fired the rockets automatically. The effect of these weapons would have been devastating to an enemy bomber because each 2.75-inch Mighty Mouse folding fin aircraft rocket (FFAR) contained the power of a 75mm artillery shell. The first prototype (YF-86D) flew on Dec. 22, 1949, and North American delivered 2,506 F-86Ds before production ended in September 1953. Although the U.S. Air Force had phased out its F-86D by June 1961, Japan and other nations continued flying them. The aircraft on display came to the museum in August 1957. It is marked as an F-86D assigned to the 97th Fighter Interceptor Squadron at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, during the mid-1950s. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ty Greenlees)

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North American F-86D Sabre

DAYTON, Ohio -- North American F-86D Sabre cockpit view in the Cold War Gallery at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ty Greenlees)

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Lockheed F-94C Starfire

The F-94 series all-weather interceptors were developed from the Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star. The prototype F-94 first flew on July 1, 1949. The Starfire was subsequently produced in the A, B and C series. The F-94C (originally designated the F-97A) was a fundamental redesign of the F-94B and made its first flight on Jan. 18, 1950. Improvements in the F-94C included a higher thrust engine, single point refueling, a redesigned wing, a sweptback horizontal stabilizer, upgraded fire-control and navigation systems, and later, mid-wing rocket pods. Twenty-four rockets were carried in the nose in a ring around the radome, shielded by retractable doors, with an additional 24 in the wing pods, if installed. The F-94C carried no guns. Starfires were employed in the air defense of the continental United States in the 1950s. In the F-94A form, they served as the first all-jet, all-weather interceptor for the Air Defense Command. The last F-94Cs were withdrawn from USAF service in 1959. The aircraft on display (S/N 50-980) has been painted to represent an F-94C assigned to the 60th Fighter Interceptor Squadron at Otis Air Force Base, Mass. during the late 1950s. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ty Greenlees)

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Lockheed F-94C Starfire

DAYTON, Ohio -- Lockheed F-94C Starfire front cockpit view in the Cold War Gallery at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.(U.S. Air Force photo by Ty Greenlees)

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OPEN AIRCRAFT DAY RETURNS TO THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE U.S. AIR FORCE WITH MISSILE-ARMED INTERCEPTOR JETS

Published April 20, 2022
By Ty Greenlees
National Museum of the U.S. Air Force

DAYTON, Ohio --

DAYTON, Ohio – The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force will continue to provide unique opportunities for visitors to get an up-close look inside different aircraft from the collection each month on select days.

Visitors have a chance to look inside two of the Air Force’s premier interceptor jets from the 1950s on Saturday, Apr. 23 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Cold War Gallery. Cockpits of the North American F-86D Sabre and Lockheed F-94C Starfire will be open with subject matter experts and aircraft trivia available.

These two jets represent an era when the Air Force preferred to arm jets with interception radar controlled missile systems and no guns.

An intelligence warning in 1948 prompted the U.S. Air Force to hurriedly develop an all-weather interceptor. From the basic airframe of its F-86A, North American incorporated two unprecedented concepts into the F-86D. First, a sophisticated electronic system replaced the second crewmember carried by other interceptors of the time. Second, the F-86D became the first production single-seat fighter in which air-to-air missiles replaced the classic gun armament.

The F-94 Starfire series all-weather interceptors were developed from the Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star. The prototype F-94 first flew on July 1, 1949. Improvements in the F-94C included a higher thrust engine, a redesigned wing, a sweptback horizontal stabilizer, upgraded fire-control and navigation systems, and mid-wing rocket pods. Twenty-four rockets were carried in the nose in a ring around the radome, with an additional 24 in the wing pods, if installed. The F-94C carried no guns. Starfires were employed in the air defense of the continental United States in the 1950s.

NOTE TO PUBLIC: For more information, contact the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force at (937) 255-3286.

NOTE TO MEDIA: For more information, contact Lisa Riley at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force Public Affairs Division at (937) 255-1283.

Screening at Entrance
All visitors may be screened with a metal detector upon entry. In addition all bags are subject to search and may be placed through an X-Ray machine. Weapons are not permitted including pocket knives and firearms, to include conceal carry and other dangerous weapons.
Prohibited Items
Prohibited Items:
- Firearms*
- Knives
- Box cutters
- Food and Soda Drinks
- Alcohol
- Coolers

* Firearms, to include conceal carry and other dangerous weapons, are specifically prohibited in Federal facilities in accordance with 18 USC §930 (c)

Permitted Items:
- Water bottles (clear, sealed bottle, up to 20 oz.)
- Purses
- Camera bags
- Diaper bags
- Strollers
- Service animals

Please note the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force is not responsible for items left in vehicles.
Click here for frequently asked questions regarding items permitted inside the museum.
Visitor Photography Notice
Notice: Visitors may be filmed, photographed or recorded by the U.S. Air Force for educational and promotional uses, including for posting on public websites and social media.
Individuals are permitted to take their own photographs or videos while touring the museum.