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F-86D-5-NA, 50-0509, NACA
This F-86D was one of several flown by NACA
in the mid-1950s at the Ames Laboratory. Studies included general
airframe testing as well as intercept testing with the onboard
radar. The tail is painted orange with the yellow NACA band
& wing emblem on the tail. The word "TEST" is
in black. |
F-86D-50-NA, 52-10064, 431st FIS
Definitely one of the more colorful F-86Ds,
this example from the 431st FIS carries the scheme worn by the
unit shortly after its arrival in Europe. The 431st unit emblem
is on the tail band, and the unit's famous comet is spread across
the fuselage. |
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F-86D-45-NA, 52-3900, 440th FIS
The 440th FIS saw several different marking
changes throughout its life with the F-86D. This particular
scheme was one of the ones worn by the unit in Europe and consists
of yellow and black rays on the tail, with the 440th unit emblem
near the top. The three fuselage stripes are outlined in black. |
F-86L-55-NA, 53-0573, 125th FIS
This F-86L of the 125th FIS carries the unit
emblem on the tail and a red and white striped rudder with a
red band on the tail with a white silhouette of the state of
Oklahoma. The belly of this F-86L has been painted in aircraft
gray. |
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F-86L-50-NA, 51-10174, 199th FIS
Once Hawaii became a state, the Sabre Dogs
became quite colorful. This example shows off some of that color,
with yellow and red checks on the tail, red/yellow/red fuselage
stripes, and the name "Clarysse" on the nose. |
F-86L-45-NA, 53-4023, 146th FIS
Since the Air National Guard received many
of its F-86Ls from USAF stock, most carried standard USAF markings.
This example from Pennsylvania's 146th FIS still has the U.S.
AIR FORCE faintly visible on the forward fuselage, and carries
a striking sharkmouth. The unit emblem is on the tail and consists
of a Keystone Cop over the state emblem of a keystone. |
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F-86D-31-NA, 51-6028, No. 726
Squadron
The exception to the rule. The planes of No.
726 Squadron made up for the blandness of the other squadrons
by painting their planes up like this. The drop tanks also received
special treatment, with a blue front and white chevrons. The
726 Squadron emblem is on the fuselage, and like the example
above it carries a three-letter code on the nose. |
F-86D, 14105, JRV
When the F-86Ds first arrived with the JRV
they were in an overall natural metal finish. The serial number
was in black at the top of the fin, while the last three digits
were repeated on the nose as well as the upper right and lower
left wings. This example has a shark face painted on the nose. |
