F86D/K Sabre Dog BETA for X-Plane 12 and 11 (2024)

The F86D/K Sabre Dog Beta pre-release for X-Plane 11 and X-Plane 12 is now available! Click the download button and simply select either the V11 version or V12 version (or both!).

The beta comes with only two paints: USAF "Dennis the Menace" (default), and another USAF Sabre Dog. When the final F86 Sabre Dog is released, there will be several more liveries. A final release date cannot be estimated at this time, so I decided to release this functional, airworthy beta version now so everyone can start flying it right away.

2/13/24 - New livery: Geiger AFB. Download thw file under the download button if you would like to have this paint!

BETA 1.3 released:

• Fixed the canopy issue in v12
• Added new livery USAF 513th
• Installed throttle and fuel quadrant

BETA 1.2 released:

• Improvements to the visual model include a somewhat smoother canopy frame, particularly from the pilot's view. The canopy frame is almost done, I feel like it needs a touch more refining. This is a major improvement over the old frame.
• The version for X-Plane 12 includes fmod sounds, new flight model, and new airfoils by Dan H (danhopgood).
• The version for X-Plane 11 does not yet include the new sounds or the new flight model (it has some minor tweaks but nothing significant yet), however it does include the reworked canopy frame. (See aircraft photos above for a screenshot of the new canopy frame)

This F86 represents both a D and K model (mostly D, as it does not yet have nose cannons), and in later versions, two refined separate versions more accurately representing the nuances between the F86D and K models will be released.

From wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_American_F-86D_Sabre:

The North American F-86D/K/L Sabre (initially known as the YF-95 and widely known informally as the "Sabre Dog",^[1]) was an American transonic jet interceptor. Developed for the United States Air Force in the late 1940s, it was an interceptor derivative of the North American F-86 Sabre. While the original F-86 Sabre was conceived as a day fighter, the F-86D was specifically developed as an all-weather interceptor. Originally designated as the YF-95 during development and testing, it was re-designated the F-86D before production began, despite only sharing 25% commonality of parts with the original F-86. Production models of the F-86D/K/L differed from other Sabres in that they had a larger fuselage, a larger afterburning engine, and a distinctive nose radome. The most-produced Sabre Dog variants (the "D" and "G" models) also mounted no guns, unlike the Sabre with its six M3 Browning .50 caliber machine guns, instead mounting unguided “Mighty Mouse” air-to-air rockets (the "K" and "L" Sabre Dog variants mounted four 20mm M24A1 cannon).

Keep in mind, this is a BETA COPY. A “beta” version is, by definition, essentially a pre-release, distributed to a large number of people (users) to try and test before completion. Beta software has been tested by the developer(s) before release, and is usually fairly close to completion. After the beta phase, modifications and improvements are made before releasing the finished product. As a beta user, you are welcome but not obligated to suggest features or improvement. See the list below on for items known to be needed or improved!

Credits: Beber for the pilot, Troopie for the magnetic compass instrument. Thank you.

Known issues/things that are missing/not working:

• Some co*ckpit instrumentation including the ADF needle and some engine gauges are either missing or not yet functional

• FMOD sounds • More liveries! • Stick needs buttons (it currently only has one button and a hat switch modeled)

• The co*ckpit seat is a temporary low-poly placeholder. A higher quality seat will be modeled later.

• Radar scope needs to be added into co*ckpit

• co*ckpit switches and handles

• Throttle and other misc. co*ckpit 3D controls

• A small set of TEMPORARY 2D switches have been pasted in for beta functionality on the left side panel. These will be removed when the rest of the 3D clickable switches are installed (see screenshot)

• Some mapping and PBR elements may need improvements

• Flight model/airfoils need refinement

• Misc. details to visual model

• Canopy open/close hardware/mechanisms have yet to be modeled and installed

• Springs need to be modeled on rudder pedals