Astra in Quinte West in Hastings County, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
F-86 Sabre
Canadair, North American
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., May 12, 2025
1. F-86 Sabre Marker
The Canadair, North American CL-13 Sabre, (designated F-86 by the RCAF) was built in Montreal, Quebec. After the Second World War, it was evident that jet fighter aircraft would be vital to Canadian defence forces, so in 1948 the RCAF began to look for a new day fighter aircraft. The North American Sabre was chosen, but was built under licence in Canada by Canadair in Montreal. By the spring of 1951, the Sabre entered RCAF service and equipped squadrons based in both Canada and Europe.
As production of Sabre went on, there were numerous updates. The Orenda 14 engine was eventually used in the Mk 6 and many consider it the best fighter of Sabre family.
Despite the importance of the Sabre to the air force, the Canadian public best remembers the Sabre as the aircraft of the RCAF Golden Hawks aerobatic team. The Sabre was retired from fighter operations in 1963.
The Museum's F-86, was assigned to RCAF Air Defence Command's No. 1(F) Operational Training Unit at RCAF Station Chatham, New Brunswick on the 12th of May, 1954. Although not officially disbanded until the 10th of July 1962, No. 1(F) OTU had effectively
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Specifications
Tail #: 23257 Mark: V
Wingspan: 11.57 m, Length: 11.53 m,
Height: 4.50 m
Max Weight: 6 644kg
Max Speed: 973 km/h
Crew: 1 pilot in ejection seat
Role: fighter
In service: 1953-1977
No d'immatriculation: 23257 Mark V
Envergure: 11,57 m, Longueur: 11,43 m,
Hauteur: 4,50 m
Masse maximale: 6 644 kg
Vitesse maximale 973 km/h
Équipage: 1 pilote en siège éjectable
Rôle: chasseur
En service: 1953-1977
Erected by National Air Force Museum of Canada.
Topics. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • Patriots & Patriotism • War, Cold. A significant historical date for this entry is May 12, 1954.
Location. 44° 6.834′ N, 77° 33.008′ W. Memorial is in Quinte West, Ontario, in Hastings County. It is in Astra. It can be reached from Laird Drive. Marker and aircraft are in the National Air Force Museum of Canada's Memorial Air Park. Touch for map. Memorial is at or near this postal address: 220 RCAF Road, Quinte West ON K0K 3V0, Canada. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this memorial is in Eastern Ontario and specifically in Southeastern Ontario. It is also in Central Canada. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony, the Viceroyalty of New France, the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, and Rupert’s Land.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: 1 Air Division F-86 Sabre Pilots (here, next to this marker); 429 Bison Squadron (a few steps from this marker); No. 6 RCAF Group (a few steps from this marker); CF-188 Hornet (within shouting distance of this marker); Fighter Air Crews of World War II and Korea (within shouting distance of this marker); 437 Transport Squadron (within shouting distance of this marker); Canadian Fighter Pilots Who Fought in the Battle of Britain (within shouting distance of this marker); RCAF Police and Air Force Security Services (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Quinte West.
More about this memorial. Admission required, and the outdoor Air Park is closed during inclement weather.
Regarding F-86 Sabre. The aircraft has been temporarily removed from display for rehabilitation.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.
Also see . . .
1. Canadair F-86 Sabre. (Submitted on May 18, 2025, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
2. National Air Force Museum of Canada. (Submitted on May 18, 2025, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
Credits. This page was last revised on May 18, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 18, 2025, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 154 times since then and 21 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on May 18, 2025, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
