Warbird Information Exchange

I hate to be wrong but must say I'd never thought of a CAC Sabre being mounted in the US! Here's a couple of pics to show the general similarity of both designs...

Enjoy the Day! Mark

Interesting stuff Mark. I have to say my knowledge of the Fury story was deficient, and I wasn't familiar with the later versions (Using Wikipedia for convenience):

The development of the FJ-3, which was to be powered by a license-built version of the new Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire turbojet, resulted in its first flight in July 1953. Deliveries began in September 1954, and the FJ-3 joined the fleet in May 1955. An FJ-3 was the first fighter to land aboard the new supercarrier USS Forrestal in 1956. 538 FJ-3s were built, including 194 FJ-3Ms with the ability to carry AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles. Some FJ-3s were later modified to control Regulus and F9F-6K Cougar target drones. In 1955 the Navy added the new wing design that had been successful on the F-86F, providing space for additional fuel, and in 1956 retro-fitted all its FJ-3s with probe-and-drogue air refueling equipment.

And:

CA-27 Sabre. The type was produced under licence by the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation (CAC) in Australia for the RAAF as the CA-27 Sabre, undergoing a 60% fuselage redesign to accommodate the Rolls-Royce Avon (with roughly 50% more thrust); armed with 30mm Aden cannons and AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles.

* CA-26 - one built as prototype with imported engine
* Sabre Mk 30 - 21 built, wing slats, Avon 20 engine
* Sabre Mk 31 - 21 built, 6-3 wing, Avon 20 engine
* Sabre Mk 32 - 69 built, 4 wing pylons, F-86F fuel capacity, Avon 26 engine

Along with the Canadair Sabre 6, the Avon-Sabre is regarded as one of the best variants produced. Following retirement from the RAAF, some surviving Avon-Sabres served with the TNI-AU and the TUDM.

So, at least at one stage they were both F-86 'based' with British engines and sidewinders!

We live and learn.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-86_Sabre

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FJ_Fury

As to CAC Sabres in the USA, several (Warbirds Directory says at least ten) were bought and taken to the US; AFAIK they just never got used; like many other jets the initial enthusiasm and idea hit snags that kept them on the ground. A couple have since returned to Australia, and a couple gone to NZ. AFAIK no CAC Sabre has flown in the USA.

Regards,

_________________
James K

"Switch on the underwater landing lights"
Emilio Largo, Thunderball.

www.VintageAeroWriter.com

Hi James -

I find interesting the similarity in the shape of the canopy and frame and the use of the small wing fence on the wing as well. Surely a bit of "cross pollination"?

The FJ-3 had both smooth and ribbed rudders and I've also seen a number of FJ-3 photos where there is just a single gun port on each side. None though have the diffuser (?) as shown on the CAC Sabre.

Enjoy the Day! Mark

Now, Heres a Fury!



And air to air!



Tom P.

I think the FJ-4 Fury is the best of the Sabre/Fury family (I am NOT including the non-US variants/developments!) Excellent range, speed and agility. There was a proposed FJ-5 but the F-8 Crusader got that program.

Thanks for posting the pics - got any more?! Sure hope to see this one with my own eyes one of these days...

Enjoy the Day! Mark

Mark,

Let me look around - everything else I have is either on the ground or ground to air.

take a look at migfuryfighters.com for some good info and photos

Tom P