North American F-86D Sabre airplane model. The F-86D (known briefly as the YF-95A) made its first flight on December 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 U.S. and overseas--to guard against possible air attack. In all, 2,506 -Ds were produced.
The F-86D was 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 November 19, 1952, and 715.697 mph on July 16, 1953.
Mahogany Wood. Wingspan 13 inches, Length 14 1/2 inches.
