TF-86D Sabre

(missing photo)
TF-86D Sabre

(missing photo)
F-86D
TF-86D 50-503 of 4750th ADW, Yuma AFB

Few of the 50-Fiscal Year F-86Ds made it to the operational squadrons, and most that did were reassigned to the two Flying Training Wings operating the aircraft. As the E-3 Fire Control System (FCS) fitted in the F-86D-1s was of limited use, many of those at Tyndall were converted to 'Pacer' aircraft. They would then be used to follow aircraft that were on practice intercept missions; the pilots in the latter aircraft would have their heads in the scope, and the 'pacer' Sabres would ensure a safe mission was flown.

Work carried out included replacing the radome with a metal version, removing the rocket package, related hydraulic equipment, Fire Control System, autopilot, engine-driven alternator, glide path, localiser and marker beacon equipment. Though an amount of ballast was installed to provide a satisfactory centre of gravity, these aircraft still tipped the scales 750-lb. (340 kg) lighter than their standard contemporaries. Thus, performance was improved overall, and redesignated TF-86D, they were used as chase aircraft during F-86D training.


(missing photo)
F-86D
Tyndall-based F-86D firing a salvo of Mighty Mouse rockets. It would be on such a mission that TF-86Ds would be employed.


The first aircraft to be converted was 50-479, the work being carried out at Tyndall. This machine emerged as a TF-86D on 27th July 1954, and thirteen further Sabres were converted to TF-86D specifications at Tyndall by early February 1955. Commencing in May 1955, another 25 F-86D-1 and –5 airframes were converted to TF-86D configuration for use at Yuma AFB, Arizona during rocket firing training missions. Many of these conversions were done at North American's Fresno, California facility.

In general, the Tyndall TF-86Ds were passed on to Vincent AFB (Yuma had been renamed in 1956), and served there until retired in September 1957. Most went to Davis Monthan AFB and were scrapped.


Individual Aircraft Histories
Aircraft Converted for 3625th CCTW, Tyndall AFB:
Serial Notes
50-460 converted at 3625th CCTW 02Feb55, NAA Fresno 18May55, school 02Jul57
50-461 converted at 3625th CCTW 10Aug54, 4750th ADW, 2704th ASD Gp Davis Monthan 05Sep57
50-465 converted at 3625th CCTW 26Aug54, 4750th ADW, 2704th ASD Gp Davis Monthan 12Sep57
50-467 converted at 3625th CCTW 04Aug54, 4750th ADW, 2704th ASD Gp Davis Monthan 05Sep57
50-475 converted at 3625th CCTW 03Sep54, 4750th ADW, 2704th ASD Gp Davis Monthan 06Sep57
50-479 converted at 3625th CCTW 27Jul54, 2704th ASD Gp Davis Monthan 06Sep57
50-481 converted at 3625th CCTW 03Sep54, 4750th ADW, w/o 26Feb57
50-482 converted at 3625th CCTW 10Aug54, 4750th ADW, 2704th ASD Gp Davis Monthan 06Sep57
50-483 converted at 3625th CCTW 03Sep54, 4750th ADW, 2704th ASD Gp Davis Monthan 06Sep57
50-484 converted at 3625th CCTW 26Aug54, 4750th ADW, 2704th ASD Gp Davis Monthan 02Oct57
50-485 converted at 3625th CCTW 02Feb55, 4750th ADW, 2704th ASD Gp Davis Monthan 20Nov57
50-488 converted at 3625th CCTW 04Aug54, 4750th ADW, 2704th ASD Gp Davis Monthan 09Sep57
50-489 converted at 3625th CCTW 03Sep54, 4750th ADW, 2704th ASD Gp Davis Monthan 11Sep57
50-491 converted at 3625th CCTW 03Sep54, 4750th ADW, 2704th ASD Gp Davis Monthan 09Sep57

Aircraft Converted for 4750th ADW, Yuma/Vincent AFB:
Serial Notes
50-458 converted by NAA Fresno 27Mar56, to 4750th ADW, 2704th ASD Gp Davis Monthan 05Sep57
50-470 converted by NAA Fresno 03Feb56, to 4750th ADW, 2704th ASD Gp Davis Monthan 04Sep57
50-473 converted at 4750th ADW 01Mar56, 2704th ASD Gp Davis Monthan 09Sep57
50-478 converted by NAA Fresno 13Mar56, to 4750th ADW, 2704th ASD Gp Davis Monthan 06Sep57
50-486 converted at 4750th ADW 01Mar56, 2704th ASD Gp Davis Monthan 09Sep57
50-487 converted at 4750th ADW 01Mar56, 2704th ASD Gp Davis Monthan 26Sep57
50-492 converted by NAA Fresno 14May55, to 4750th ADW, 3320th TTW Amarillo 10Dec56 as instructional airframe
50-493 converted by NAA Fresno 31Jan56, to 4750th ADW, 3320th TTW Amarillo 10Dec56 as instructional airframe, to UTF-86D .62;, scrapped .63
50-495 converted by NAA Fresno 07Mar56, to 4750th ADW, , 3320th TTW Amarillo 10Dec56 as instructional airframe
50-496 converted by NAA Fresno 06Feb56, to 4750th ADW, 6570th Test Gp Aberdeen 10Jan57
50-497 converted by NAA Fresno 14Mar56, to 4750th ADW, , 6570th Test Gp Aberdeen 30Jan57
50-498 converted at 4750th ADW 01Mar56, 3320th TTW Amarillo 10Dec56 as instructional airframe
50-499 converted by NAA Fresno 25Feb56, to 4750th ADW, 'USAORD DPA' 06Aug57
50-500 converted by NAA Fresno 31Jan56, to 4750th ADW, 3320th TTW Amarillo 10Dec56 as instructional airframe
50-501 converted by NAA Fresno 27Mar56, to 4750th ADW, 3320th TTW Amarillo 10Dec56 as instructional airframe
50-503 converted by NAA Fresno 01Feb56, to 4750th ADW, 6570th Test Gp Aberdeen 10Jan57
50-504 converted by NAA Fresno 06Feb56, to 4750th ADW, 6570th Test Gp Aberdeen 10Jan57
50-505 converted by NAA Fresno 16Feb56, to 4750th ADW, 6570th Test Gp Aberdeen 10Jan57
50-506 converted at 4750th ADW 01Mar56, , 6570th Test Gp Aberdeen 22Jan57
50-511 converted by NAA Fresno 28Feb56, to 4750th ADW, 6570th Test Gp Aberdeen 10Jan57
50-512 converted by NAA Fresno 07Mar56, to 4750th ADW, 6570th Test Gp Aberdeen 10Jan57
50-513 converted by NAA Fresno 21Feb56, to 4750th ADW, 6570th Test Gp Aberdeen 10Jan57
50-514 converted by NAA Fresno 07Mar56, to 4750th ADW, 6570th Test Gp Aberdeen 10Jan57
50-515 converted at 4750th ADW 01Mar56, 6570th Test Gp Aberdeen 10Jan57
50-517 converted by NAA Fresno 16Feb56, to 4750th ADW, 6570th Test Gp Aberdeen 14Feb57
KEY:

3625th CCTW=3625th Combat Crew Training Wing, Tyndall AFB
TTW=Technical Training Wing
ASD Gp=Aircraft Storage and Disposition Group
4750th ADW=4750th Air Defense Wing, Yuma (later Vincent) AFB


 

 

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