F-86L Sabre Jet – Centennial Park, Nashville, Tennessee
N 36° 09.020 W 086° 48.922
16S E 516608 N 4000638
This F86L is located in Nashville’s Centennial Park, adjacent to The Parthenon.
Waymark Code: WM3366
Location: Tennessee, United States
Date Posted: 02/02/2008
Views: 103
The F-86 Sabre Jet was the first swept-wing airplane in the U.S. fighter inventory. The F-86 scored consistent victories over Russian-built MiG fighters during the Korean War. Four models of the craft (F-86A, E, F and H) were day fighters or fighter bombers, while the F-86D, K and L versions were all-weather interceptors. George Welch became the first pilot to fly the plane at Mach 1 (the speed of sound) in routine flight. Although technically rated as subsonic, the Sabre is no stranger to supersonic speeds. Various models of the Sabre held world speed records for six consecutive years, setting five official records and winning several National Aircraft Show Bendix Trophies. In September 1948, an F-86A set the Sabre's first official world speed record of 570 mph. This mark was bettered in 1952 by an F-86D that flew at 698 mph. The "D" became the first model of a fighter to better its own record, in 1953, with a run of 715 mph. A very popular and durable aircraft more than 6,000 F-86s were manufactured in Los Angeles and Columbus, Ohio. U.S. production of the Sabre Jet ended in December 1956.
A Plaque located at the base of the aircraft has the following inscription.
“This F86L Sabre Jet was flown by the the Tennessee Air National Guard from 1957 – 1960 in support of the USAF Air Defense Command. After being retired from active service it was given to the City of Nashville. I was renovated and mounted in 1982 by these men of the Nashville Air National Guard Unit.”
Type of Aircraft: (make/model): F86- L Sabre Jet
Tail Number: (S/N): ANG 0668
Construction:: original aircraft
Location (park, airport, museum, etc.): Centennial Park
inside / outside: outside
Other Information::
Located Southwest of The Parthenon in Nashville's Centennial Park.
Access restrictions:
None
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Visit Instructions:
Photo of aircraft (required - will be interesting to see if the aircraft is ever repainted or progress if being restored)
Photo of serial number (required unless there is not one or it is a replica)
Photo(s) of any artwork on the aircraft (optional but interesting)
Tell why you are visiting this waymark along with any other interesting facts or personal experiences about the aircraft not already mentioned.