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CA-27 Mk.32 Sabre - RMAF Butterworth’s old Gate Keeper
Hi and welcome to my 77th, which is about the Malaysian CA-27 Mk.32 Sabre, hope you like it. 
First of all:
- Feel free to share more Information and / or correct me if something is wrong
- Discuss respectfully, any aggressive kind or verbal abuse will be reported, the Forum rules also apply here
Background History
The CA-27 Sabre’s history began in the early 1950s, when the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) sought a modern fighter to replace its aging fleet. With limited options available, Sir Lawrence Wackett of the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation (CAC) decided to license the F-86 Sabre design and pair it with the more powerful Rolls-Royce Avon engine. This led to significant modifications of the airframe, making the CA-27 distinct from the American F-86. The prototype first flew in 1953 and broke the sound barrier shortly after.
Its Avon engine provided more thrust, and it was equipped with two 30mm ADEN cannons, better suited for jet-age combat. The final variant, the Mk.32, featured enhancements like a new engine, revised wings with extra stations for drop tanks and rockets, and the integration of AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles.
The CA-27 played an important role in Southeast Asia, participating in ground attack missions during the Malayan Emergency and defending Malaysia’s border during conflicts with Indonesia. It also supported US forces during the Vietnam War. A small number of CA-27s were transferred to Malaysia and Indonesia, where they served until the early 1980s. The CA-27 Sabre’s service spanned nearly 30 years.
A Long Journey - CAC Avon Sabre A94-983
The CAC Sabre A94-983 was delivered to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in November 1957 and initially went through test flights at the Aircraft Research and Development Unit. Following this, it was assigned to No. 78 Wing at Williamtown and later deployed to No. 3 Squadron at Butterworth in October 1958. In February 1959, A94-983 experienced a wheels-up landing at Butterworth, sustaining significant damage to its underside. It was transported back to Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation (CAC) for assessment and repairs.
After being fully repaired, the aircraft returned to active service in February 1961 with No. 76 Squadron, where it remained until July 1963 before being relocated to No. 78 Wing at Butterworth via a C-130 transport. Between 1964 and 1966, A94-983 was part of No. 77 Squadron, flying operational missions during the Indonesia Confrontation. In November 1966, it was transferred back to Williamtown and assigned to No. 2 (Fighter) Operational Conversion Unit. By the mid 1970s, the aircraft was relocated to No. 5 Operational Training Unit, then returned to No. 2 Operational Conversion Unit in 1971. Later that year, A94-983 was selected for transfer as a diplomatic gift to the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF).
In December 1971, the Sabre was formally transferred to No. 11 Squadron of the RMAF, under the serial number FMI983. It flew in RMAF service until 1976, when it was grounded and awaiting disposal. However, it was rescued by No. 75 Squadron of the RAAF, which carried out extensive servicing over a 12-month period. The aircraft returned to RAAF hands and flew again in July 1978. Afterward, A94-983 was shipped back to Australia, where it underwent a full restoration by No. 2 Aircraft Depot. The Sabre was publicly displayed in March 1981, and continued to be showcased by the RAAF Museum. Despite a forced landing and overrun at Bendigo, Victoria, in 1984, it remained operational and was displayed under the Caribou and Historic Aircraft Section (CHAS) until CHAS disbanded in 1997.
In January 2006, A94-983 was moved to the Temora Aviation Museum to begin a comprehensive restoration to flightworthy status. Two Rolls Royce Avon engines were delivered to support the restoration, which commenced in May 2006. After years of meticulous work, the Sabre successfully completed post-maintenance check flights, with the first occurring on July 16, 2009.
Currently housed at the Temora Aviation Museum, the Sabre is displayed regularly during museum events and select Australian Defence Force airshows. However, it is presently grounded due to Martin Baker no longer supporting the legacy ejection seat used in the Sabre. The RAAF is working with a third-party supplier to find a solution, but a return to flight date has not yet been confirmed.
Armament of the CA-27 Mk.32 Sabre
The CA-27 Mk.32 has two 30mm cannons, 162 rounds each, as its main armament, as well as the ability to carry two AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles; although these have not been seen in RMAF service, the possibility of using them is there. For air-to-ground combat, the Sabre has a small selection of unguided rockets and bombs.
Since it is unknown what the RMAF would have used as additional armament, I list everything the Mk.32 carried during its service time.
Air-to-Air Missiles
- 2x AIM-9B
Dumb-Bombs & Rockets
- 2x 100ib AN-M30
- 2x 250 lb AN-M57
- 2x 500 lb AN-M64
- 2x 1,000 lb AN-M65
- 2x BLU-1
- 30x RP-3 3-inch
- 20x HVAR 5-inch
- 20x Matra T10 5-inch
- 10x LAU-32
Fuel Tanks
- 4x 379 liter (100 gallon)
- 2x 632 liter (167 gallon)
Specifications, Electronics and Internal
- Crew: 1
- Length: 11,4 m
- Wingspan: 11,3 m
- Height: 4,4 m
- Max. takeoff weight: 9.621 kg
- Powerplant: 1x Rolls-Royce Avon Mk.26
- Thrust: 3.289 kgf
- Maximum speed: 1.119 km/h
- Service ceiling: 15.849 m
Thanks for your time, hope you liked it 
[Will add more if there are some (more) important / declassified things]
[PM or comment if a Link or Picture isn´t working]
Sources:
Links
https://www.airforce.gov.au/community/event-participation/air-force-heritage-aircraft-fleet/ca-27-sabre
http://www.adf-serials.com.au/research/avon-sabre.pdf
Temora Aviation Museum :: RAAF CA-27 Sabre :: Temora Aviation Museum Aviation
CA-27 Sabre Mk 30 | This Day in Aviation
Malaysian CAC Sabres
ADF Serials - CAC Sabre
RAAF CA-27 Sabre VH-IPN / A94-983 - Temora Aviation Museum
List of Suggestions of ASEAN region
