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  • Love this aircraft!!!

    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.

    On 18 November 1952, F-86D-20-NA, 51-2945, set a speed record of 698.505 mph (1,124.135 km/h). Captain J. Slade Nash flew over a three km course at the Salton Sea in California at a height of only 125 ft (38 m). Another F-86D broke this world record on 16 July 1953, when Lieutenant Colonel William F. Barns, flying the first F-86D-35-NA, 51-6145, in the same path of the previous flight, achieved 715.697 mph (1,151.803 km/h

    Variants

    YF-95A
    prototype all-weather interceptor; two built; designation changed to YF-86D (North American model NA-164)
    YF-86D
    originally designated YF-95A.
    F-86D
    Production interceptor originally designated F-95A, 2,506 built.
    F-86G
    Provisional designation for F-86D variant with uprated engine and equipment changes, 406 built as F-86Ds.
    YF-86K
    Basic version of F-86D intended for export with rocket tray replaced by four 20 mm (.79 in) cannon and simplified fire control system, two conversions.
    F-86K
    NATO version of F-86D; MG-4 fire control system; four 20 mm (.79 in) M-24A1, with 132 rpg each; APG-37 radar. 120 were built by NAA, 221 were assembled by Fiat.
    F-86L
    Upgrade conversion of F-86D with new electronics, extended wingtips and wing leading edges, revised cockpit layout, and uprated engine; 981 converted.

    TECHNICAL NOTES:
    Engine: General Electric J47 of 7,650 lbs. thrust (with afterburner)
    Maximum speed: 761 mph
    Range: 800 miles
    Ceiling: 50,000 ft.
    Span: 37 ft. 1 in.
    Length: 40 ft. 4 in.
    Height: 15 ft.
    Weight: 19,975 lbs. loaded

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    And yes its in the "SIM"

    Regards Duggy
     

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