The North American F-86 Sabre was manufactured from 1949 – 1956 and was America’s first swept-wing fighter. As well as being built in the U.S. variants were built in Canada and Australia bringing the total of all variants manufactured to 9,860 units. During the Korean War the Sabre arrived to take on the other swept-wing aircraft of the conflict, the MiG-15 Fagot. The Americans claim they shot down 792 MiGs while only losing 78 Sabres, a 10:1 victory ratio which is greatly disputed.

In 1956 Eric Hartmann became part of the newly formed West German Luftwaffe and soon was appointed the first Geschwaderkommodore of Jagdgeschwader 71 "Richthofen". This new squadron was an all-jet unit equipped with Canadair Sabre CL-13 Mk.6. Hartmann’s aircraft was built as JC+368 and later became JA+111. He had it painted the same black tulip scheme used by him on the Eastern Front during WWII. In 1959 Hartmann was promoted to the post of Kommandeur Jagdgeschwader 71 "Richthofen", Ahlhorn, West Germany. During WWII Hartmann flew 825 missions and scored 352 victories.

F-86 Sabre Mk. 6 Specifications

• Manufacturer – North American and built under license by Canadair Canada
• Crew – 1
• Dimensions
• Length – 37 ft 6 in (11.43 m)
• Wingspan – 37 ft 11.5 in (11.57 m)
• Height – 14 ft 9 in (4.5 m)
• Weight
• Empty – 10,618 lb (4,818 kg)
• Gross – 14,613 lb (6,634 kg)
• Performance
• Powerplant – Orenda series 14 turbo-jet @7,275 lb (3,302 kg) thrust
• Speed
• Maximum - 606 mph (975 km/h)
• Cruise – 489 mph (787 km/h)
• Range – 1,486 miles (2,391 km)
• Armament 6 X .50 cal machine guns
• +
• Provisions for tanks, bombs and unguided rockets

Info: Canadair Sabre Mk 6, Luftwaffe JG 71 Richthofen, JA-111, Erich Hartmann, Ahlhorn AB, Germany, 1960