Canadair F-86 Sabre

The Canadair F-86 Sabre was to become the RCAF's (Royal Canadian Air Force's) most famous and unanimously well-liked , operational fighter. RCAF Sabre squadrons were a force to be reckoned with in the European skies.
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The Sabre was the RCAF's last fighter armed with guns alone. 1184 Sabres flew with various units from 1950 until 1970, in Canada and Europe. This Sabre is having its guns harmonized at RCAF Station Uplands in 1953. This process ensures that all six machine-guns are aimed properly.
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Canadair Sabre Mk 5 number 23314 served with 434 "Bluenose" Squadron which departed for No.1 Air Division in Europe in March, 1953 as part of Operation Leapfrog III. Although by this time it was clear that Atlantic crossings by single engine fighters could be considered safe and practical, Leapfrog III "...took us just a little longer than Columbus!" as noted by one pilot on the trip, due to inclement weather. Upon arrival in Europe the Sabres of 434 Sqn were stationed at Zweibrucken as part of No. 3 (Fighter) Group.
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Sabre 23757 was one of 390 Canadair CL-13B Sabre Mk.6 (the last version, with Avro Orenda 14 engines) that served with the RCAF. This Sabre is carrying the camouflage developed for all RCAF European-based operational Aircraft. The photo was taken while the Aircraft belonged to 1 Overseas Ferry Unit (OFU) based at St. Hubert, Que. formed in 1953 to ferry Sabres and T-33s across the North Atlantic.
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The F-86 Sabre was known as the "Sword" to its pilots and groundcrews. The original design was based on captured wartime German research which contributed to the Aircraft's reputation as the superlative combat Aircraft of the 1950's.
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The NATO/AIRDIV display is a part of the Air Force Heritage Park located in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Shown here are the Avro CF-100 Canuck, affectionately known as the "clunk" the Canadair F-86 Sabre, and the Canadair CT-33 Silver Star.
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