gej47

F-86?

This is the first production North American P-86A Sabre, USAF Ser. No. 47-605 (c/n 151-38432). This particular aircraft flew for the first time on May 20, 1948. Soon the designation would be revised to "F-86A." The photo is autographed by North American Aviation test pilot and Pearl Harbor hero, George "Wheaties" Welch (1918-1954). The inscription reads, "1st Flight, 10-9-47. Thanks for chasing me! G. Welch." The first flight Welch is referring to is the first flight of the XP-86 Sabre prototype, USAF Ser. No. 45-49507 (c/n 140-38424) (not pictured), on October 9, 1947. As the inscription alludes to, Bob Hoover flew a chase aircraft for this first flight. See: www.joebaugher.com/usaf_fighters/p86_1.html www.joebaugher.com/usaf_fighters/p86_2.html en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Welch_(pilot)

Nice capture, San Diego Air & Space Museum Archives!!! =)

The correct Air Force serial number for this Republic XF-91 is 46-680.

Little known that the XF-91 was the first American combat aircraft (albeit a prototype that wasn't mass produced) to go supersonic in level flight (Dec. '51), and with both its jet (J47) and rockets (XLR11) working, it reached 1126 mph (Mach 1.71). Survives today in the R&D Section of the NMUSAF in Dayton, OH. It's sister-ship 681 (with a "V" tail) burned to the ground @ Edwards. www.flickr.com/photos/sdasmarchives/16148468640/in/set-72...