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Canadair Sabre 6 (Golden Hawk)

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In 1948 the RCAF chose the North American-designed F-86 Sabre as its next fighter, to fulfil its NATO commitment in Europe. These Sabres were built by Canadair in Montreal. Early Sabres were similar to their American counterparts, but the Sabre 5 and Sabre 6 had Canadian-designed-and-built Orenda engines. The Sabre 6, with its extra power and slatted wing, was the finest version of the airplane built by Canadair. Canadian Sabres served in Canada and with Canadians overseas, as well as in the air forces of Britain, West Germany, South Africa, Columbia and the United States.

Clad in metallic-gold paint, the Sabre 6s of the Golden Hawks were an impressive sight. The aerobatic team used the superb handling characteristics and slatted wings of this aircraft to great advantage. The Sabre 6 could execute a 360-degree turn within the runway boundaries of an average airfield, a feat not achievable by most other jets of the period.

Museum Example

Built in 1956, this Sabre flew overseas with NATO and in Canada with the Golden Hawks aerobatic team. It was transferred to the Museum in 1964.

Specifications

Wing Span:
11.6 m (37 ft 11 1/2 in)
Length:
11.4 m (37 ft 6 in)
Height:
4.5 m (14 ft 9 in)
Weight, Empty:
4,816 kg (10,618 lb)
Weight, Gross:
6,628 kg (14,613 lb)
Cruising Speed:
787 km/h (489 mph)
Max Speed:
975 km/h (606 mph)
Rate of Climb:
10,668 m (35,000 ft) / 4 min 42 sec
Service Ceiling:
16,460 m (54,000 ft)
Range:
584 km (363 mi)
Power Plant:
one Avro Canada Orenda 14, 3,300 kg (7,275 lb) static thrust turbojet

Additional Photographs

The Canada Aviation Museum’s Image Bank contains additional photographs of this aircraft. Images are provided for non-commercial study or research purposes only and may not be reproduced or published without the prior consent of the Canada Aviation Museum.

Find out more about our Image bank here.