The F-86 came to be after a request was sent out in 1944 for a single-seat high-altitude fighter aircraft. The chief designer was Edgar Schmued, who also designed the P-51 Mustang. The prototype first flew in 1947, and the first F-86A entered service in 1949. The final, ultimate fighter version of the F-86, was the F model with 2,239 built. The Sabre was the primary U.S. air-to-air fighter during the Korean War, as it was able to go head-to-head with the MiG-15 flown by the Koreans, Chinese, and Soviets.

The Planes of Fame’s F-86 was built in 1953 and used as a trainer at Nellis AFB. In 1960, it was one of 28 jets transferred to the Argentine Air Force. In 1986, it was withdrawn from use and acquired by the Museum. Today, it flies regularly in air shows and heritage flights.

Thank you to the Port of Bremerton for sponsoring the F-86.