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Italian F-86 E in Congo


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I am lookin for information of the Italian F-86E that was used by the Philippine UN contingent in Congo in the 1960th.

The only picture I've seen is this:http://www.airliners.net/photo/Iran---Air/North-American-F-86F/2239985/L/&sid=ce2a9b974dcb6f55fdd6a6c3a8cc00f9

As I understand it five planes from 4a Aerobrigata was used and one of them was 19542.

Looking at the picture it seems that the Italian roundels were removed and the tactical numbers on the nose were replaced with the ONU text. It also look like some markings have been removed/overpainted on the fin. But the wings is a mystery.

I suppose that the roundels was removed but it is unclear if the text ONU was applied.

I would like to build one to add to my UN Tunnans.

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The Iranian Sabres in the photo also wore UN titles, these were the Black UN letters on a white background, bigger than and just to the rear of the IIAF letters.

iiaf_f-86f_un.jpg

Not a good pic frm the aircraft point of view but you can just make out the ONU titles starting in the background.

rp_congo_force_pilots_by_jabala-d2xljjt.jpg

There was an exhibit this year in June at The Phillipenes AF Museum on Congo ops. Pity I dont know anyone local.

Julien

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The Iranian Sabres in the photo also wore UN titles...

This is just getting better and better! :woot.gif:

Thanks for the insight, Julien!

****

Later Edit

Apologies for the pronounced Iranian touch (I see such a colorful Sabre in my near model-building future :)), but searching for information about Kamina Airfield in 1963 I came across these small pics:

http://medlem.spray.se/superswede/F22/iran_plattan2_web.JPG

http://medlem.spray.se/superswede/F22/iran_plattan1_web.JPG

...on this page

http://medlem.spray.se/superswede/F22/f22_krigsdagbok_2.htm

I shall insist a bit more on researching the actual subject of this topic :wave:

Edited by niki4703
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So did the Indian Canberras and Ethiopian Sabres in Congo. All used them in addition of the national insignias. Tunnan and the ex. Italian Sabres I am searchin for didn't retain the national insignias only the UN markings. But the mystery with the markings on the Sabres wings remains.

72_5.jpg

244_1.jpg

Edited by Orso
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Tunnan and the ex. Italian Sabres I am searchin for didn't retain the national insignias only the UN markings.

Indeed, unique occurrences.

Judging in line with the Tunnans, UN markings should have been applied to the Sabre's wings. From the apron image on Airliners.net, at least the left wing appears to be void of such markings. I would be ready to bet the situation repeats itself on the right upper side (the aircraft nearest to the camera shows a small good portion thereof) but I have no evidence in this direction.

Let's keep checking the web. Something might turn up in the end! :thumbsup:

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I was just about to ask if you considered dropping a line on the IPMS Philippines Forum, but there you were... :)

Please let us know if the chap answering your inquiry with that FB link, is able to provide you with anything specific outside that environment.

****

Frustration at its peak!

At 7'30" there is a three ship Sabre flight passing from left to right past the camera. They are most likely what we are looking for, but image quality is 60's vintage to say the least :doh:

Edited by niki4703
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We know little or nothing of this mission here in Italy, the only thing certain is a pair of serial of 5 aircraft sent in Congo used by Filipinos, MM19542, ex 2-05, ex 4-?? and MM19695, ex 4-31, in the 80's one of these two aircraft was still preserved at the University 'of Kinshasa.

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I got this from another forum:

9542 North American Canadair Sabre 4

CL-13 442

Diverted to RAF before RCAF serial marked, became XB639. First flight on 27 January 1953. Used by No. 67 Squadron in Germany. Back to USAF on 20 April 1956, marked with RCAF serial. To Italian Air Force, coded "2-05". Used in Congo in 1963 in support of UN operations, operated by 9th Tactical Fighter Squadron of the Philippine AF. Preserved, on display at university in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. Badly deteriorated and vandalized by 2008.

383 XB576 Canadair Sabre F4 Ex RCAF 19483, d/d 04/05/1953, to USAF 10/04/1956, to AMI as MM19483

442 XB639 Canadair Sabre F4 Ex RCAF 19542, d/d 04/05/1953, to USAF, to AMI MM19542, to Kinshasa

595 XB857 Canadair Sabre F4 Ex RCAF 19695, d/d 01/06/1954, to USAF 12/06/1956, to AMI as MM19695

609 XD708 Canadair Sabre F4 Ex RCAF 19709, d/d 20/07/1953, to USAF 06/11/1956, to AMI as MM19709

684 XB896 Canadair Sabre F4 Ex RCAF 19784, d/d 17/08/1953, to USAF 12/12/1956, to AMI as MM19784

FN/UN Received five F-86E(M)s from Italy as MAP redeployment 1963, crewed by Filippinos; aircraft owned by the UN and scrapped in the Congo, 1964

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So, according to these (well, the first one actually), it very much seems there were no other main markings besides the serial on the tail and "ONU" titles on the fuselage sides (i.e. nothing on wings):

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10201852929025855&set=pb.1261858335.-2207520000.1381034564.&type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10201400154026763&set=a.10201400147826608.1073741892.1261858335&type=3&theater

...a couple J-29 and one Academy F-86 already in the stash. Printscale decals also. Now off to find another Sabre, an H-19 (S-55) and a DC-3 for a cute "Kamina" diorama! :D

Thanks Bjorn for bringing this subject to our attention! :thumbsup:

Cheers,

Niki

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