1948 F-86 SABRE RETURNS TO U.S.; SAID TO BE OLDEST JET FLYING

摘要

A North American F-86 sabre jet once flown by multi-war ace Robin Olds has returned from England, where it was on the airshow circuit following restoration. It is claimed to be the only Model A Sabre in the world, and the oldest flying jet. In the United States its duties included defending the Los Alamos laboratories from the threat of Soviet bombers during the Cold War. The supersonic fighter was purchased by Dr. John Swartz and shipped to Rockford, Illinois. Aircraft Restoration Company of Duxford, England, disassembled the aircraft for shipment to the U.S. Heritage Aero will reassemble it to flying condition. During 24 years of operations it is claimed to have missed only five shows because of maintenance problems.