Canadair CL-13K - RCN SeaSabre Mk.1

[datguy]

So here it is: The Canadair CL-13K SeaSabre Mk.1, Circa 1964

As the old Banshees were becoming outdated in the late '50s, the RCN was faced with the dilemma of how to protect the HMCS Bonaventure from long range Russian attack platforms.  A-4 Scooters were considered a great match for the Bonnie's size, but they lacked the night and adverse weather interceptor capability that was needed in the far northern seas.  

Studies of the F11F, Crusader and SeaVixen found that they were too hot for the small deck of the Bonnie.  The Dassault Etendard IV was a strong candidate, and immensely popular among the Quebecois members of parliament, but was  an insufficiently mature design to be accepted.  Grumman offered rehabbed F9F-8 Cougars, but the fact the Banshees had been second-hand USN birds didn't place the Iron Works offer in a good position with the RCN or the politicians.

The issue was largely settled when Canadair, working in conjunction with North American, revived their Orenda powered all-weather CL-13H design, incorporated naval features of the early FJ series, and adapted the 4x20mm cannon armament of the FJ and the F-86K.  The radar was markedly updated and improved from the original cranky F-86D E-3 fire control system.  The final decision in favor of the CL-13K was crystalized by the desire to keep the Canadair line open after production of the Sabre Mk.6 wound down.  

In the end, 24 airframes were produced. They bore RCN serials 23753-23776 in consecutive sequence with the serials of the last Sabre Mk.6s.

The kit is the Airfix F-86D built out of the box apart from being modified to have   cannon armament in plave of the -86D's rocket pack.  Decals are from the scrap box, with some additional help from Airjim.  

DG

[The Rat]

Well datguy, disguy approves!    

 

[K5054NZ]

And so does disguy!       Great stuff datguy! I love it! Viva le navalisation!

[elmayerle]

Great stuff!!  Now I need to start gathering the necessary bits to do a SeaSabre mk.2 that incorporates suitable bits from the FJ-4 to make an even better aircraft.

[Alvis 3.1]

Urk!
That's NIIICE!




Alvis 3.1

[NARSES2]

There's something about EDSG/Sky    

[Dork the kit slayer]

" when Harry net Sally diner scene"....definitely yes.      

[Gary]

Sweeeeeet! Wish I had thought of that!

[gooberliberation]

 You know, I think I'm getting a thing for that FAA-style scheme with the sharp lines

[datguy]

Great stuff!!  Now I need to start gathering the necessary bits to do a SeaSabre mk.2 that incorporates suitable bits from the FJ-4 to make an even better aircraft.

Absolutely!

This is clearly an interim design.  I had thought about upgrading to a twin nose wheel, but in the end expedience and laziness (errr....  an early entry-into-service date) won out.

To be viable in the role in the 1962-1970 time frame, it probably needs longer range AAMs like Falcon or at least Genie.  Without a burner and a lot more gas, the SeaSabre would be hard pressed to catch a Bear, much less a Badger, to bring those 20mms to bear.  

I envision Scooters in the attack role on board Bonnie, but there's nothing to say that a mix of Sabre-derived interceptors (like this) and attackers (a la FJ-4B) wouldn't work.  It would certainly be a lot easier on the logistics train.

DG

[AirJim]

David,

Very nice!  

Jim

[Shasper]

To be viable in the role in the 1962-1970 time frame, it probably needs longer range AAMs like Falcon or at least Genie.

Sidewinder and Sparrow II/III's would be better I think, since later model Fury's sported both before retirement (unless my brain took a dump   )


Shas B)

[AeroplaneDriver]

Absolutely beautiful!!

 

[Ginge!]

RCN Schemes are dead sexy

[F-32]

       

and