Canadair Sabre

[David Dunlop]

Wayne.

There was a company (I think in New Brunswick, Canada - possibly Moncton) that acquired the majority of surplus Canadian made Sabres still held in Canada decades ago. I have seen photos of their compound full of the Sabres. The company in question had a contract with the US Air Force to provide them with target drones.

The planes were refurbished to full flight capability with the addition of drone control equipment. As the planes were needed by USAAF, pilots would pick them up and fly them down to whatever base in the States. The base would then send them out over the missle range to be blown out of the sky while following a slow, steady flight path.

Its a long shot but that company might have parts sitting around if anyone can ID them.

David

[Keith Webb]

As mentioned earlier our Sabres were a much enhanced version of the original design. I've interviewed some of the engineers and designers who worked on the drawings at Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation and they told me about the incredible amount of re-engineering it took to fit the larger R-R Avon engine.

We did not buy any of the old Canadian ones; all ours were newly built here.

Attached is a frame grab from a video I shot back in 2013 of the RAAF owned Temora Aviation Museum restored and operated Sabre.

Camera aircraft was a Caribou going absolutely flat knacker with five of us in the back (all with lanyards). The Sabre was wallowing around with full flap out flown skilfully by RAAF pilot 'Simmo'.

The Sabre is fitted with a smoke system for displays. It is currently grounded because Martin-Baker are no longer supporting the ejection seat which had been fitted by TAM.

[Wayne Henderson]

Hi Dave, I do have a digital copy of the North American F 86 but am still looking for a Canadair Manual as the two aircraft do vary in several areas. I will try your link with thanks.

Hi Terry,
Thanks for the link, great looking aircraft! Im on to it.

Thanks David for the information, long shot or not, worth a go.

Hi Keith, Great photo, looks like it's heavy under brakes. The paint job is very hot rod and looks brilliant. I have included a pic of the ejector seat, bare bones with the bang bits removed.

The nose wheel is made by BF Goodrich and has a new matching tyre.

The canopy is suffering from crazing and the rubber needs touching up in areas but it is starting to look better without the camo.

I have also included a shot from a manual of the panels that I need to find or make.

[David Dunlop]

Wayne.

If you look up “Flight Systems Sabres” you will find the reference to the Moncton, New Brunswick source of Sabres. Flight Systems had quite a supply of Canadian Sabres when the USAF switched to newer model drones. Who knows what might turn up.

David

[Mike Cecil]

Wayne,

What's happening to WWB??

Has the Sabre nudged the bus sideways in the workshed?

Nice find, nice challenge you have there. Yours must be about the only Canadian Sabre in Oz.

Mike

[Wayne Henderson]

Hi Mike, The Chev still has pride of place in the shed and is progressing slowly.
This Canadair Sabre is probably the only one down here but I'd love to be wrong. Quite a few CAC built ones are still around, mostly in museums.
There appear to be more Mig 15 and 17s here than the Sabre.

[Wayne Henderson]

I have emailed my fingers off to museums all over the world, got 2 replies.
There are several part F86's in New Zealand but the owner has not responded. Probably still mad about that underarm episode, just let it go fellas.

Found some small bits and still pulling the camo off during quite times.

Added a second aircraft, as one does, 1960 105e.
Have all the parts for this one but the invisibility booster is faulty.