The North American F-86D Saber Dog is an all-weather interceptor derived from the F-86 Sabre. While it shares the same F-86 designation, it only shares 25% commonality with the original F-86. The Philippine Air Force operated around 20 F-86D Saber Dog interceptors in the 1960s.
Initially known as the YF-95 throughout development and testing, it was renamed the F-86D before production began, despite only having 25% of the same components as the original F-86. The F-86D/K/L production versions were distinguished from previous Sabres by a bigger fuselage, a larger afterburning engine, and a unique nose radome. The most common Sabre Dog versions (the “D” and “G”) also lacked armament, unlike the Sabre, which had six M3 Browning.50 caliber machine guns, instead opting for air-to-air rockets. However, the “K” and “L” Sabre Dog variants mounted four 20mm M24A1 cannon.
Basically, the F-86D was not really a dogfighter as it lacked guns.
The F-86D has a maximum speed of Mach 0.93 with a service ceiling of 49,750 ft. It was operated by 16 countries including the Philippines.
The Philippine Air Force’s “Dogs”
The Philippine Air Force acquired 20 F-86D Saber Dogs which were assigned to the 8th All Night Interceptor Fighter Squadron “Vampire” of the 5th Fighter Wing. The pilots in this squadron were trained for night missions.
According to Pinoy Aviators, the Philippine Air Force F-86D “Dog” night interceptor aircraft carried an AIM-9 Sidewinder short-range air-to-air missile (AAMs). It also carries 24 2.75-inch unguided Folding-Fin Aerial Rockets (FFAR) with explosive warheads. They could be launched in salvos of 6, 12, or 24 rockets and were carried on a retractable tray. The FFAR was a solid-fuel rocket with a 7.55-pound warhead that could be programmed for proximity explosion, contact detonation, or to detonate when the rocket engine failed.
Due to the difficulty of sustaining the platform, the F-86Ds were depleted. In cooperation with the Joint United States Military Assistance Group (JUSMAG), plans were made for the transfer of approximately eight F-86D “Dog” aircraft from the Taiwanese Air Force’s inventory to the Philippine Air Force.
Philippine Air Force did have a formidable line-up in the past
Come to think of it, the PAF had a strong array of fighter planes, starting from the P-51D Mustang, F-86A Saber, F-86D Saber Dog, F-8H Crusader, and the F-5 Freedom Fighter. These planes, particularly the P-51D, F-86A, and the F-8 were known as “killers” way back.
Hoping that the PAF would soon have a formidable line-up of multi-role fighters, choppers, and equipment!
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