Hasegawa 51405 F-86D Sabre Dog US Air Force

Hasegawa 51405 F-86D Sabre Dog U.S. Air Force

Originally developed as the F-95 because it was so different from the previous F-86 variants, the plane was relabeled F-86D because there was money for an updated F-86, but none for a new plane! This strange set of circumstances was not only prevalent in the 50’s but is also something the one sees today. The F-18E/F are externally similar to the previous versions, but much of the newer plane is not interchangeable with the older version so is basically a new plane. Same with the AV-8A and AV-8B, for example.

Anyway, an interceptor was needed to combat the perceived threat from Soviet long range bombers so a new fuselage with an upgraded engine and a new fire control radar system was mated to the wings and tail planes of the F-86. This Sabre did not carry guns but had its total armament consisting of small folding fin air to air rockets; basically improved versions of the German WWII R4M rockets carried in the last weeks of the war by Me-262s. A later version for export was given a stretched nose and 4 20mm cannon in place of the rockets. This was built by Fiat as the F-86K and supplied to many NATO countries. The D model was also exported to Japan, Yugoslavia and a few other countries after they were no longer front line equipment in the US.

Features:

• Highly detailed, injection molded gray plastic parts
• Cockpit includes instrument panel and pilot
• Detailed landing gear
• Waterslide decals
• Illustrated assembly guide

Includes: One plastic model

Requires:

• Assembly
• Cement
• Hobby knife
• Sprue cutters
• Paint

Specs:

• Scale: 1/72
• Item Size/Weight : 34.1 x 16.2 x 4.5 cm / 204g

Comments: Keep product safely away from children under 3 years of age.