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.

The Black Diamonds were an RAAF aerobatic display team formed in 1961 with four CA-27 Mk.32 Sabres. The original marking on the aircraft was a hat but was replaced with the ‘Black Diamond’. The team was made up of members from 75 Squadron that lasted from 1964 until 1968. CAC Sabre Mk.32 A94-983 was delivered in 1957. The aircraft spent time with numerous RAAF squadrons and from late 1971 until 1978 was with the Malaysian Air Force. A94-983 returned to Australia and eventually was placed on display at the Temora Aviation Museum.