USAF F-86F Korean War 1:72 Academy 12546

Plastic model airplane to assemble: USAF F-86F Korean War 1:72 Academy 12546

We present a plastic model to assemble of the F-86F Sabre fighter aircraft, which played a key role in the history of military aviation. This 1:72 scale model from the renowned company Academy is a great opportunity to recreate one of the most famous aircraft from the Korean War period.

Model characteristics:

• Scale: 1:72
• Manufacturer: Academy
• Catalog number: 12546
• Material: Plastic

History and significance of the F-86 Sabre: The North American F-86 Sabre, also known as the Sabrejet, is a transonic jet fighter that became a symbol of American air dominance during the Korean War (1950–1953). It was the first American fighter with swept wings that could effectively compete with the Soviet MiG-15 in fast aerial combat. The F-86 Sabre participated in some of the first jet battles in history, making it one of the most important fighters of that era.

Although it was developed in the late 1940s and became outdated by the end of the 1950s, the Sabre proved to be extremely versatile and adaptable, continuing to serve as a frontline fighter in many air forces around the world. Its success led to extended production, with over 7,800 units built in the United States, Japan, and Italy. Additionally, 738 modified versions were purchased by the US Navy as FJ-2 and FJ-3. Variants were also produced in Canada and Australia, resulting in an impressive total of 9,860 units produced, making the Sabre the most widely produced Western jet fighter.

Armament and equipment: The F-86 Sabre was produced both as an interceptor and a fighter-bomber. The F-86H version could carry up to 2,000 pounds (910 kg) of bombs, including an external fuel tank that could be used as a napalm tank. The aircraft could also be equipped with a pair of external drop tanks, which increased its range. Both interceptor and bomber versions were armed with six M3 Browning .50 caliber (12.7 mm) machine guns with electrically assisted ammunition feeding in the nose of the aircraft. In later versions, the F-86H was fitted with four 20 mm cannons instead of machine guns.

Assembly and painting kit. Does not include paints or glue. To assemble, separately sold modeling tools are needed (including cutters, files, tweezers), paints, brushes, and plastic model glue (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement). The photo shows a professionally assembled and painted model.