Ridgecrest in Kern County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
North American T-39D Sabreliner
Photographed by Craig Baker, March 28, 2025
1. T-39D Sabreliner Marker
Designed as a mid-sized business jet by North American Aviation, its name was derived from the similarity of the shape of its wing and tail to the F-86 Sabre jet, also designed by North American.
The aircraft on display came to the Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX-31) in December 1973, and operated out of the Naval Air Warfare Station (NAWS) airfield (NID/KNID). It was retired from service in April 2018.
During its operational lifetime, it served primarily as a flying testbed for air-to-air and air-to ground seekers and sensors. Early in its career, circa 1973, it was used to gather data needed to solve an AIM-9L Sidewinder tracking anomaly.
The T-39D was also used as an unscheduled airline to carry civilian and military personnel to critical meetings when commercial travel options were limited or required excessive time.
This aircraft loan courtesy of: The National Naval Aviation Museum on behalf of The Navy History and Heritage Command
Erected by China Lake Museum.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • Military. A significant historical year for this entry is 1973.
Location. 35° 37.779′ N, 117° 40.065′ W. Marker is in Ridgecrest
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in California’s San Joaquin Valley, specifically in the Central Valley, in the Mojave Desert, and in the Sierra Nevada. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: MK IV Special Weapon (a few steps from this marker); F11 F-1F "Super Tiger" (within shouting distance of this marker); F-18A Hornet (within shouting distance of this marker); Naval Ordnance Test Station, China Lake (within shouting distance of this marker); "Siding 16" (approx. 8.2 miles away).
Photographed by Craig Baker, March 28, 2025
2. T-39D Sabreliner and Marker
Photographed by Craig Baker, March 28, 2025
3. North American T-39D Sabreliner
Photographed by James Hulse, August 16, 2024
4. Example of a North American F-86 Sabre Jet
Similar shape of wing and tail.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 11, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 13, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 137 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 13, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 4. submitted on August 21, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
