Airfix North American F-86F Sabre

One of the most important aircraft of the early jet era, the North American F-86 Sabre, was in many ways a jet-powered version of the highly successful P-51D Mustang from World War II and an aircraft that utilized captured German aerodynamic research material. The Sabre featured a distinctive 35-degree wing sweep and was equipped with three .50 caliber machine guns mounted in the nose, positioned on both sides of the aircraft's front. This jet-powered gunslinger shared many design philosophies with its famous piston-engine predecessor. Upon its introduction into service with the U.S. Air Force in 1949, the North American F-86 Sabre was not only America's first fighter aircraft with swept wings but also the fastest combat aircraft in the world at that time – a true classic.

The aerobatic team Arctic Gladiators was established in June 1954 by the 720th Fighter Bomber Squadron of the USAF. The aerobatic squadron consisted of four F-86F Sabre aircraft, all adorned with the squadron's silver-red color scheme and additional markings. The demonstration team existed for only 10 years and was disbanded in 1955. The performances were limited to the U.S. state of Alaska.