Hobby Master Archive

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.

On June 1, 1962 RAAF 79 Squadron arrived at Royal Thai Air Force Base Ubon. The squadron was there to defend against what was thought to be a pending attack through Laos. Two CAC Mk. 32 Sabres were always kept on high alert armed with 30 mm cannons and Side-Winder Missiles. These aircraft were to be ready seven days a week during daylight hours and only used for self-defense. The expected attack never took place but 79 Squadron remained in Thailand until August 1968 when the unit was disbanded.

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

Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series HA4317 CAC Sabre Mk.32 A94-978, 79 Sqn., RAAF, Ubon, Thailand, July 1968

Superb detailing in 1/72 scale. Pre-painted with pad applied markings. Fully assembled. Comes with crew figure Display stand included. Option to display model with wheels up or down. Minimum use of plastic.

Comes with AIM-9B Missiles