Calling All You F-86 Super-Sleuths! Need ID Help

[Craig59]

Okay, here is part of a larger image of a Sikorsky HRS which I'm trying to date/locate. In the background is this F-86 in gold with red trim. Not seen in this cropping is what appears to be a matching F-86 parked to its left. Clearly marked "flight test" on top of the vertical stab. Last digit of what appears to be a civil registration is 'F.' Any help in ID'ing the aircraft; years it was operated and possibly where are greatly appreciated.

[mike furline]

One of the Golden Hawks http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Hawks that was sold to Lynn Garrison and Flight Test Research (N186F ?).

"In June 1964, two of the Golden Hawk aircraft were sold to Lynn Garrison, an ex-RCAF pilot who founded the Air Museum of Canada in 1964. One of these was registered as CF-AMH and flown by Milt Harradence. The other was operated by Lynn Garrison and then Flight Test Research in Long Beach, California. It was destroyed during a test mission over the Mojave Desert."

http://f-86.tripod.com/fsi.html

Regards,

[P51Mstg]

Appears to be N186F (OK I guessed the N Number.....)

http://www.pbase.com/zortek/image/94499491

http://f-86.tripod.com/fsi.html

"FSI’s first Sabre (N186F, a Mark 6) was converted into a QF-86E drone – the only Sabre 6 thus converted. It was lost in a heavy landing and subsequently scrapped at Mojave."


Mark H
(I guess Mike was making his post as I was looking the details in mine up..... Beat to the draw)

[Craig59]

Mike and Mark,

Thanks to you both! So, with the following below, I can get a good date...

RCAF 23454. To N186F (.76?). Crashed on recovery to White Sands NM 17May78.

...and I pumped a whole lot of Jet A and avgas at LGB back in the late seventies and that hangar facade looks familiar and sure could have been there.

THANKS!

[markcia]

Interesting... You can even see the smoke lines that were installed only on the Golden Hawks Sabres.

Mark