Canadair Sabre Mk.6 – 421 Red Indian Sqn, RCAF, France 1958

Hobby Master 1/72 scale HA4309: Canadair Sabre Mk.6 serial 23679/AX-679 of 421 Sqn., RCAF in 1958. Production run of 800 models. With excellent looking extended leading edge slats.

Length  6.75 inches   Wingspan 6.25 inches

RCAF 421 Squadron “Red Indian” was formed in April 1942 and equipped with the Spitfire Mk. Va’s. After WWII the squadron settled at RAF Station Odiham, England and flew Vampires and Meteors. During the 1950’s NATO considered the largest air threat in Central Europe were Soviet made MiG-15, 17, 19 and 21’s. In response in late September 1952 the 421 Squadron was equipped with the Canadair Sabre and stationed at Grostenquin, France with the 2 (F) Wing of the RCAF until August 1963. In June 1956 the 421 received the new Sabre Mk. 6.

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.