F-86D-35-NA Sabre Dog #51-6160, 75 FIS, 1953

Starting with the basic airframe of its F-86A, North American Aviation incorporated two unprecedented concepts into the F-86D (initially designated the F-95). First, a highly sophisticated electronic system replaced the second crewmember carried by other interceptors of the time. Second, the F-86D became the first production single-seat fighter to which air-to-air missiles replaced the classic gun armament.
With its air intake reshaped to make room for the enclosed radar, the F-86D, nicknamed "Sabre Dog," presented a distinctive profile. The first prototype (YF-86D) flew on December 22, 1949. The F-86D was the first USAF airplane to have all-rocket armament and the first all-weather interceptor to carry only one person for operating the radar fire control system as well as piloting the airplane. It also had the distinction of succeeding itself in setting a new world's speed record - 698.505 mph on November 19, 1952, followed by a speed of 715.697 mph on July 16, 1953.
North American delivered 2,506 F-86Ds before production ended in September 1953. Although the U.S. Air Force had phased out its F-86D fleet by June 1961, Japan and other nations continued flying them.

F-86D-35-NA s/n 51-6160, 75th FIS, 4709th ADW, Suffolk County AFB, New York.
This sharkmouthed F-86D carries the tail markings of the 4709th Defense Wing in addition to the 75th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron emblem on the fuselage. Three red fuselage stripes denote the squadron commander. The sharkmouth carefully avoids both the buzz number and the rescue panel outline.