RAAF Sabre Mk. 31, "Red Diamonds Aerobatic Team," HA4316 1:72

Highly detailed Hobby Master model warbirds Sabre CA-27 Mk. 31 76 Sqn., "Red Diamonds Aerobatic Team," RAAF, 1962 Hobby Master HA4316 Scale 1:72 The CAC prototype Sabre (CA-26) first flew on August 3, 1953. The production aircraft were designated the CA-27 Sabre with first deliveries to the Royal Australian Air Force beginning in 1954 powered by an Avon 20 engine and these were designated Sabre Mk 30. In 1957 and 1958 these aircraft had their wing slats removed and became Sabre Mk. 31. The last 69 aircraft to be produced had the new Avon 26 engine and were designated Mk. 32. In the mid 1960s the Mirage III began to replace the Sabres. The “Red Diamonds” were an RAAF Aerobatic Team formed in 1962 by members of the 76 Squadron based at Williamtown NSW and flew until 1965. The “Red Diamonds” aircraft were Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation (CAC) Sabre Mk. 31 but A94-942 was the last Mk. 31 produced and it along with A94-938 was modified with an extra 84 gallon fuel storage in the extending wing leading edge like the USAF F-86F. The aircraft under-wing pylons could also carry a pair of drop tanks or 500 pound bombs or sixteen 5-inch HVARs. Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation (CAC) Sabre CA-27 Mk. 31 Production – 69 Dimensions Length – 37.5 ft (11.43 m) Wingspan – 37 ft 1 in (11.30 m) Height – 14.3 ft (4.37 m)