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Canadair Sabre 6

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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.

In the early 1950s, Sabre 2s serving with the RCAF were the only swept-wing fighters in NATO. As a day fighter, the Sabre 6 was unsurpassed in Europe. The first two squadrons of Sabres were transported to Europe on aircraft carrier HMCS Magnificent. Sabres were subsequently flown across the Atlantic to Germany from St. Hubert, Quebec , shepherded by a North Star, via Goose Bay (Labrador), Greenland, Iceland and Kinloss (Scotland).

Museum Example

The museum aircraft was built in 1955, served with the RCAF in Canada and overseas until 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:
489 mph (787 km/h)
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.