Australian Sabre Flies

Belated thanks on the information on the name Avon Sabre.

I got around to reading some online information on the plane and its development has some parallels to the F-86H: redesigned fuselage for a new engine, replacement of fifty caliber guns with automatic cannons, and (eventually for the Avon Sabre) hard points for fighter-bomber work.

I would question their wisdom if it was an original seat… the newer ones are far safer.

Australian Sabre

Darren Crabb was well and truely bolted into the aircraft. He undertook four of the five test flights with SQNLDR Paul Simmons undertaking the fifth flight. There are the two pilots authorised to fly the aircraft both at RAAF and Temora Aviation Museum displays.

Note that the ejection seat fitted is not the original fitted to the Avon Sabre.

Thanks for the ‘heads up’ Mustang51 – excellent videos of this great aircraft.

I am not familiar with the cockpit of the Sabre but…. is the pilot not using his seat harness during the in-cockpit takeoff and landing sequences?:confused:

[QUOTE=Flying-A;1437182]Thanks for the link! Whether flying or standing still, the Sabre was and is a beautiful plane. And adaptable, too.

By the way, I’ve seen the CA-27 called the Avon-Sabre. Was that an official or unofficial name?[/QUOTE]

While the RAAF seems to have commonly referred to the aircraft simply as “Sabre” in service, the “Avon-Sabre” clearly seems to be an official name utilised by the manufacturer CAC as evidenced by use in:

1. Lawrence Wackett’s Biography – text page 194 and photo caption page 196 both listed as “Avon Sabre”.

2. The official CAC history “Wirraway to Hornet” title of Chapter 23 – “Avon Sabre”, photo caption page 151, and 3-D drawing in appendix IX page 275 both “Avon Sabre”.

3. Official 50th year CAC publication “Aircraft and Aero Engines 1936-1986”, listing for both CA-26 and CA-27 as “Avon Sabre”.

I am not sure the name was’nt originally taken up by the RAAF when the aircraft was introduced into service and the Avon dropped in later use and by enthusiasts and historians? as the AWM records a number of RAAF photos captioned as Avon Sabre including this one donated by Dickie Cresswell

http://cas.awm.gov.au/photograph/P01254.150

I havent sourced a copy of the RAAF purchase contract to determine how it was termed in that document, but I would consider the Avon Sabre was an official name at least from CAC’s point of view.

This CD copy of a RAAF Manual available on an ebay type website would suggest the official RAAF name was also “Avon Sabre”.

http://www.oztion.com.au/buy/auction.aspx?itemid=5691320

Regards

Mark Pilkington

More here in this thread.

I really loved the videos of the Sabres flight on the Temora site…thanks a lot for the link.
I have a very soft spot for the Aussie Sabres as they thrilled me often in Singapore and when visiting Butterworth in the early 60’s.

David

By the way, I’ve seen the CA-27 called the Avon-Sabre. Was that an official or unofficial name?

Unofficial. It’s just a distinguishing nickname referring to the differing engine type.

Thanks for the link! Whether flying or standing still, the Sabre was and is a beautiful plane. And adaptable, too.

By the way, I’ve seen the CA-27 called the Avon-Sabre. Was that an official or unofficial name?