The first swept-wing airplane in the U.S. fighter inventory, the F-86 scored consistent victories over Russian-built MiG fighters during the Korean War, accounting for a final kill ratio of 10-to-1. Interestingly, all 39 United Nations jet aces won their laurels in Sabres. Four models of the plane (F-86A, E, F and H) were designated day fighters or fighter bombers, while the F-86D, K and L versions were touted as all-weather interceptors. Successive models of the daylight versions - all designed to destroy hostile aircraft in flight or on the ground - were equipped with more powerful engines and armament systems that ranged from iron bombs and rockets to machine guns and cannon. The three interceptor versions, on the other hand, were equipped with black radome noses, replacing the yawning jet intakes of the other models.

Pictured here is a 1:72 scale replica of a USAF North American F-86F Sabre jet fighter nicknamed "Beauteous Butch II", and piloted by Capt. Joseph C. McConnell Jr., who was attached to the 39th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, 51st Fighter Interceptor Wing, then deployed to Suwon Air Base, during 1953. Sold Out!

Dimensions:
Length: 6-3/4-inches
Wingspan: 6-1/4-inches

Release Date: March 2014

Historical Account: "Claims and Counter Claims" - By the end of hostilities, F-86 pilots were credited with shooting down 792 MiGs for a loss of only 78 Sabres, a victory ratio of 10:1. More recent research by Dorr, Lake and Thompson has claimed the actual ratio is closer to 2:1 The Soviets claimed to have downed over 600 Sabres, together with the Chinese claims, although these are thought by some to be an over count as they cannot be reconciled with the 78 Sabres recorded as lost by the US. A recent RAND report made reference to "recent scholarship" of F-86 v MiG-15 combat over Korea and concluded that the actual kill:loss ratio for the F-86 was 1.8:1 overall, and likely closer to 1.3:1 against MiGs flown by Soviet pilots. Of the 41 American pilots who earned the designation of ace during the Korean war, all but one flew the F-86 Sabre, the exception being a Navy Vought F4U Corsair night fighter pilot.