CAC Sabre

The Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation (CAC) Sabre was an Australian‑built version of the North American F‑86D “Sabre Dog” that entered service in the early 1950s. After World II the Australian government sought a high‑performance jet for the Royal Australian Air Force, and CAC received a licence to produce the aircraft locally. The first CAC Sabre, serial A94‑1, flew on 30 July 1953, and 112 machines were delivered between 1953 and 1955, most powered by the indigenous Rolls‑Royce Avon turbo‑jet, giving the type greater thrust and reliability than the original Allison engine.

Key features included a swept‑wing planform, all‑moving tailplane and a nose‑mounted 2.75‑inch rocket pod controlled by an advanced fire‑control system. The aircraft could exceed Mach 0.9 and had a service ceiling of 50 000 ft, making it one of the most capable interceptors in the southern hemisphere. The CAC Sabre formed the backbone of No. 77 Squadron and saw action in the Malayan Emergency, proving the value of locally produced jet fighters.

Its significance lies in demonstrating Australia’s ability to manufacture modern combat jets, advancing domestic aerospace expertise and providing a bridge to later indigenous designs such as the Mirage IIIO and the modern F‑35.