CAC Sabre Mk 32 – 75 Sqn Black Diamonds, RAAF, Australia. Preserved Flying status

Hobby Master 1/72 scale HA4321: CAC Sabre Mk 32 A94-983 of 75 Sqn Black Diamonds, RAAF, Australia 1967. Production run of 600 models

Length 6.75 inches Wingspan 6.25 inches

The Black Diamonds were an RAAF aerobatic display team formed in 1961 with four CA-27 Mk.32 Sabres. The original marking on the aircraft was a hat but was replaced with the “Black Diamond”. The team was made up of members from 75 Squadron that lasted from 1964 until 1968. CAC Sabre Mk.32 A94-983 was delivered in 1957. The aircraft spent time with numerous RAAF squadrons and from late 1971 until 1978 was with the Malaysian Air Force. A94-983 returned to Australia and is now restored to flying status at the Temora Aviation Museum with a civilian designated registration number VH-IPN..

Designed to meet a USAAF requirement for a day-fighter/escort fighter/dive-bomber, the F-86 was first flown on October 1st, 1947. The Sabre’s swept-wing “flying tail” configuration and a hydraulic flight-control system were some of its many firsts in technology and design that have now become standard for jet-powered aircraft. Armed with six 50 calibre machine guns, the F-86 saw extensive action in the Korean War, where it was often pitted against the MiG-15. The Sabre pilot had to be in visual contact and within gun range of the enemy in order to attempt a shoot-down, thereby making this aircraft the last true “dogfighter” in Air Force inventory.