F-86F

The F-86, the nation’s first swept-wing jet fighter, made its initial flight at what is now Edwards AFB on October 1, 1947. The first production model flew on May 20, 1948, and on September 15, 1948, an F-86A set a world record of 670.9 mph. The Sabre saw combat in Korea in three successive series, F-86A, E, and F, to counter the Russian-built MiG-15. By the end of hostilities, Air Force fighter pilots flying Sabres into “MiG Alley” had shot down 792 MiGs while losing only 76 Sabres. More than 8,500 Sabres of all types were built in the U.S., Australia, Canada, Italy, and Japan and were used by the air forces of over 20 nations. The Sabre on display was decommissioned by the USAF in 1964 after service at George AFB, Norton AFB, and McClellan AFB in California. It was originally displayed in Sacramento, then moved because of freeway construction. In 1978, it was transferred to Edwards AFB and placed on a pedestal. After 20 years on display, it was removed for restoration and mounted in its current location in March 2002.

Edwards AFB, California · United States