The F-86H Sabre Jet

The F-86H Sabre Jet. . , Hero of the Early Jet Age, The F-86 Sabre was designed by North American Aviation, based on the prototype XF-86 which was first flown October 1, 1947. It was the first USAF swept wing fighter jet. During world war two, German engineers had discovered that the swept wing configuration markadly improved performance over straight wing aircraft. The F-86 also had a stabilator or all-flying tail. A stabilator functions as a combined horizontal stabilizer and elevator, and improves maneuverability at high speed., Various models of the F-86 were flown extensively during the Korean War. They were particularly effective against MiG-15s. However, the F-86 H which was produced from late 1953 to mid 1955, never saw combat. It was the product of a number of changes to earlier models, making it a true fighter- bomber. It was wider, longer, and heavier than previous models, and was powered by a General J73-GE-3 or 3A turbojet engine that provided about 9,000 pounds of thrust. Internal fuel capacity was increased to 562 gallons, allowing for a combat range of approximately 1,200 miles. Cruise air speed was 603 MPH with a maximum speed of 692 MPH. However, when placed in a steep dive from 40,000 feet or above (service ceiling 49,000 feet), the jet was capable of supersonic flight. In fact, Jackie Cochran became the first woman to break the sound barrier on May 18, 1953 while flying a Canadair F-86 Sabre jet., Early production models sported six 0.50 caliber machine guns. These were replaced with four 20mm T-160 cannons by 1955. There were four underwing stations for mounting bombs and drop tanks. The plane had nuclear capability and was equipped with a Low Altitude Bombing System., The operational life of the F-86 was short. By 1958, all F-86s had been transferred from the USAF to various Air National Guard groups or to other countries. Some continued to be used as trainers through the Vietnam War., Howdy Doody's Journey to the Front Royal Airport, 52-2044, nicknamed Howdy Doody, was delivered to the 312th Fighter- Bomber Wing (TAC), Clovis AFB NM in April 1955. In February 1956 it joined the 359th Combat Crew Training Wing (TAC), at Nellis AFB. It was transferred from the USAF to the 167th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron of the Martinsburg WV Air National Guard in October of 1957, and in December of 1958 joined the 167th Tactical Fighter Squadron. The 167th provided aerial protection to Washington, DC during the Cold War. It was flown by Al Ogden who bore a resemblance to the popular 1950s kids television character Howdy Doody, hence the nose art. In 1961, the plane was dropped from inventory when the 167th transitioned to transport operations., Don Moyer Sr, a resident of Front Royal, Virginia, had worked on F-86s at Andrew's AFB as a member of the 121st Air Guard from 1953 to 1962. He contacted the Pentagon when the 167th was dispersing their planes, and was able to acquire Howdy Doody. The plane was transported to Moyer's home at Lynmore Acres in May of 1961. It was on public display for several years, but was unfortunately vandalized. The plane was disassembled and placed in storage until 1999 when Front Royal-Warren County Airport Manager Reggie Cassagnol contacted the Moyer family, asking if they would be interested in displaying the jet in front of the airport. They agreed to loan the F-86 to the airport, and it was transported to the field in late 1999. It was reassembled and restored in the summer of 2000 by Dons' sons, Don Jr. and Walt, plus a few friends. The nose art was repainted by local artist, Linda Smiley. The plane was towed down the runway to its current location in 2001. In the following years, further improvements to the plane and display were made by Cecil Artrip, Donald Leight, and Kenneth Evans. Artrip, Leight, and Evans had been crew chiefs in the 167th. A small rededication ceremy was held on September 13, 2008., (Photo Captions):, top left: Reassembled, Howdy Doody is towed to its current display location by Walt Moyer with Don Moyer Jr.s' son, Sam, waving from the cockpit., top right: After kick-starting the effort to relocate, reassemble, and display the F-86 at the airport, manager Reggie Cassagnol proudly stands in the cockpit, with the shattered canopy still needing to be replaced., right: Original pilot Al Ogden, Cecil Artrip, Donald Leight, and Kenneth Evans stand before the restored aircraft at its dedication ceremony on September 13, 2008., The F-86 departs the 167th Air National Guard in Martinsburg, West Virginia on its way to the Moyer home., Don Moyer Sr. and his wife, Camilla, stand before the assembled F-86 at their home in Lynmore Acres, Front Royal, Virginia in the summer of 1961., After the short trip from Lynmore Acres, the unassembled pieces arrive at the Front Royal Airport in late 1999. The next spring will see the start of reconstruction and restoration., Joel and Walt Moyer - along with friends Greg Black and Steve Haynie - mount the stabilator on the jet at the airport.