picture 183691

An F-86F Sabre (this example was nick−named ‘Labuya’) in the rarely photographed camouflage pattern adopted by units in the 1970s. The type was operated by the 5th Fighter Wing and initially tasked with air defense, for which AIM−9B Sidewinder missiles were installed. The Moro and Communists insurrections led to them being primarily employed in the ground attack role, armed with general−purpose bombs and unguided rockets. Several F−86s were lost on combat operations against the MNLF, though rumors regarding SA−7 usage appear to be unfounded. They were ultimately replaced by F−8 Crusaders, which did not see combat service.(Artwork by Tom Cooper)