August 31, 2024

No: 2413

In 1959 a joint NAA/USAF project developed an experimental Sabre which became the highest-flying and fastest of all F-86s. As a test airframe NAA utilised F-86F-30 s/n 52-4608. This aircraft had been damaged in a mid-air collision at Williams AFB in June 1959 and it is likely that it was initially sent to the Inglewood U.S. AIR FORCE plant for repair, arriving there on 5 October, 1959. It was then tagged for modification to test the Rocketdyne AR2-3 rocket motor.

Like the JF-86E that had earlier been used to test the YLR63-AJ-3, 52-4608 had the rocket motor housed in a faired external structure, though this time positioned further aft in a semi-buried installation to the rear of the main landing gear. 52-4608 was redesignated as a JF-86F (Special Test, Temporary) on 1 July 1960, though the aircraft is often referred to as the F-86F (R).

In early 1960, flight testing began from North American's Palmdale test area, with Capt Norris J. Hanks assigned as project test pilot and 1LT Duane E. Baker as Project Engineer. Further flights were centered on Edwards AFB with NAA pilots Jim Brooks and Jo Roberts being involved at this time. Results gained from these flights included an altitude of 70,840 feet and a top speed of Mach 1.22 at 60,000 feet in level flight. These quoted figures were in the 'clean' configuration but with the oxidant tanks fitted. Further flights demonstrated a climb to 60,000 feet in 2.4 minutes and a Mach 1.03 top speed in level flight at 45,000 feet with the rocket running in addition to the aircraft's J47. During one flight in November 1960, the aircraft managed to climb up to 40,000 feet in an incredible 66 seconds. Further missions were completed to ascertain the effectivity of the Sidewinder missile on this type of aircraft. One sortie was completed at a weight of 22,850 Ib, which made 52-4608 the highest-flying, fastest and heaviest of all Sabres.

This unique aircraft was often referred to as the F-86F(R), 52-4608 and was officially a JF-86F temporary test machine. In the photograph above, the fairing for the Rocketdyne AR2-3 motor can be seen to the rear and behind the drop tanks. The drop tanks themselves were lengthened 200-gallon Sabre tanks and housed 165 gallons of hydrogen peroxide oxidizer.

Check out the awesome job our all volunteer restoration crew did on this 1971 M561 Gamma Goat! First glance looks like it just rolled off the factory floor. This was completed to be drivable in local parades and is currently on display on the south side of Hangar 1. A big shout out to all the Restoration guys who helped with this project and a special kudos to Greg Heydenreich who helped fund this restoration. Make sure you check out the webpage for before and after pictures!