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 - 20

Powerplant - 1 x Rolls Royce Avon Mk-20, Single Spool 12-stage axial flow turbojet
Thrust - 7,500 lb thrust   (3,402 kg)

Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation (CAC) Sabre CA-27 Mk. 32

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)

Weight
Empty – 12,000 lbs   (5,443 kg)
Loaded – 17,720 lbs   (8,038 kg)

Performance
Powerplant
1 X Avon 26 Turbojet
Thrust - 7,500 lb   (3,402 kg)
Cruise – 550 mph   (885 km/h)
Maximum Speed – 700 mph   (1,126 km/h)
Range – 1,000 nm   (1,850 km)
Service Ceiling – 52,000 ft   (15,850 m)

Armament
2 X 30 mm Aden Cannons
Optional Loads
Sidewinder Missiles
Rockets
500 Pound Bombs

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