Airfix 1/48 North American F-86F Sabre # 08111

One of the most important aircraft of the early jet era, the North American F-86 Sabre was in many ways a jet powered version of the company's hugely successful P-51D Mustang from WWII and an aircraft which made full use of captured German aerodynamic research material. Featuring a distinctive 35-degree wing sweep, the Sabre also incorporated three nose mounted .50 calibre machine guns positioned on either side of the aircraft's nose, with this jet powered gunslinger sharing many design philosophies with its famous piston powered predecessor.
On entering service with the U.S Air Force in 1949, the North American F-86 Sabre would have the distinction of not only being America's first swept wing fighter, but also the fastest fighter aircraft in the world at that time, a true aviation classic.
Arctic Gladiators Aerobatic Display Team
The USAF 720thFighter Bomber Squadron formed the Arctic Gladiators team in June 1954. The display team consisted of four F-86F Sabre aircraft, which all carried the squadrons silver and red colour scheme, plus extra markings.
The display team lasted just 10 years when it came to an end in 1955.
Displays were limited to the US state of Alaska.

Scheme A
North American F-86F-30 Sabre
'Arctic Gladiators' aerobatic team,
720th Fighter-Bomber Squadron,
United States Air Force,
EielsonAir Force Base, Alaska, 1955

Scheme B
North American F-86-25 Sabre
514th Fighter-Bomber Squadron,
Royal Air Force Manston, Kent, England, 1954