CAC Sabre

Another major revision was in replacing the F-86F's six machine guns with two 30mm ADEN cannon,[2] while other changes were also made to the cockpit and to provide an increased fuel capacity.

The production aircraft were designated the CA-27 Sabre and first deliveries to the Royal Australian Air Force began in 1954.

[4] Armed with Sidewinder missiles, the Sabres were responsible for regional air defence during the Konfrontasi between Indonesia and Malaysia from 1963 until 1966, though no combat took place.

Australia and Thailand were allies of South Vietnam and the United States during the Vietnam War; 79 Sqn was responsible for local air defence at Ubon, where United States Air Force attack and bomber aircraft were based.

[11] Former RAAF CAC Sabres were operated by 11 Squadron Royal Malaysian Air Force (11 Sqn RMAF) between 1969 and 1972.

[12][13] A94-352 is currently owned privately by Sqn Ldr Jeff Trappett (RAAF retired) and is stored at Latrobe Regional Airport.

In 1973 A94-352 crashed on takeoff at Ngurah Rai International Airport, Bali, on its delivery flight to the Indonesian Air Force.

On 18 February 1974 a submission was made and approval given on 14 March 1975 for free transfer of some spare parts to the Warbirds Aviation Museum.

Data from Meteor, Sabre and Mirage in Australian Service[15]General characteristics Performance Armament

A94-901 (Mk 30), the first production CAC Sabre, in the colours of the "Black Panthers" aerobatics team of No. 76 Squadron
A94-964 and A94-982 (Mk 32), Thailand, c. 1962
Mk 32 (TS-8603, RAAF A94-368) in Indonesian markings at the Indonesian Air Force Museum
RAAF CA-27 Sabre, A94-983 seen in 2024