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The F-86, the USAF's first swept-wing
jet fighter, made its initial flight on October 1, 1947. The
first production model flew on May 20, 1948, and on September
15, 1948, an F-86A set a new world speed record of 670.9 mph.
Originally designed as a high-altitude day-fighter, it was
subsequently redesigned into an all-weather interceptor (F-86D)
and a fighter-bomber (F-86H). As a day fighter, the airplane saw service in Korea in three
successive series (F-86A, E, and F) where it engaged the
Russian-built MiG-15.
By the end of hostilities, it had shot down 792 Migs at a loss
of only 76 Sabres, a victory ratio of 10 to 1. More than 5,500 Sabre day-fighters were built in the U.S. and
Canada. The airplane was also used by the air forces of 20 other
nations, including Japan, Spain, Britain, and
Australia.
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