DCS F-86F Sabre Guide

DCS GUIDE
F-86F SABRE
SERIES 35
LAST UPDATED: 14/04/2019 By Chuck
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
• PART 1 – CONTROLS SETUP
• PART 2 – COCKPIT & GAUGES
• PART 3 – START-UP PROCEDURE
• PART 4 – TAKEOFF
• PART 5 – LANDING
• PART 6 – ENGINE & FUEL MANAGEMENT
• PART 7 – AIRCRAFT LIMITATIONS
• PART 8 – AIRCRAFT OPERATION
• PART 9 – WEAPONS
• PART 10 – SKINS
• PART 11 – AN/ARC-27 UHF RADIO TUTORIAL
• PART 12 – AN/ARN-6 RADIO NAVIGATION
• PART 13 – AN/APX-6 TRANSPONDER (IFF RADAR)
• PART 14 – TACTICS AGAINST THE MIG-15BIS
• PART 15 – OTHER SOURCES
Special thanks to Paul "Goldwolf" Whittingham for creating the guide icons. 2
These controls should be mapped to your joystick and are essential. Names on the left
SABRE
F-86F
column are what you should look for in the “ACTION” column of the Controls Setup
Menu in DCS. Description of the action is on the right column.
• MICROPHONE BUTTON ALLOWS YOU TO USE RADIO MENU WHILE FLYING

• FLAPS DOWN DEPLOYS YOUR FLAPS
• FLAPS UP RETRACTS YOUR FLAPS
• GUN FIRE FIRES YOUR .50 GUNS
• WEAPON RELEASE FIRES ROCKETS OR DROPS ORDNANCE (BOMB/TANK)
PART 1 – CONTROLS SETUP
• LANDING GEAR UP/DOWN RAISES OR DEPLOYS YOUR LANDING GEAR

• AIRBRAKE ON DEPLOYS YOUR AIRBRAKE
• AIRBRAKE OFF RETRACTS YOUR AIRBRAKE
• A-4 SIGHT ELECTRICAL CAGING BUTTON (ON THROTTLE) ELECTRICALLY CAGES A-4 GUNSIGHT
• A-4 SIGHT MANUAL RANGING CONTROL (THROTTLE TWIST GRIP) CCW/INCREASE INCREASES GUNSIGHT RADAR RANGE
• A-4 SIGHT MANUAL RANGING CONTROL (THROTTLE TWIST GRIP) CW/DECREASE DECREASES GUNSIGHT RADAR RANGE
• NOSEWHEEL STEERING BUTTON CONTROLS YOUR NOSEWHEEL STEERING
• TRIM DOWN/UP/LEFT/RIGHT (4 BUTTONS) TRIMS AIRCRAFT IN EACH DIRECTION
• ZOOM IN SLOW ALLOWS YOU TO ZOOM IN
• ZOOM OUT SLOW ALLOWS YOU TO ZOOM OUT
3
SABRE
F-86F
TO ASSIGN AXIS, CLICK ON AXIS ASSIGN. YOU

CAN ALSO SELECT “AXIS COMMANDS” IN THE
UPPER SCROLLING MENU.
TO MODIFY CURVES AND SENSITIVITIES OF

AXES, CLICK ON THE AXIS YOU WANT TO
MODIFY AND THEN CLICK AXIS TUNE
4
BIND THE FOLLOWING AXES:
SABRE
F-86F
• PITCH (DEADZONE AT 5, SATURATION X AT 100, SATURATION Y AT 100, CURVATURE AT 20)

• ROLL (DEADZONE AT 5, SATURATION X AT 100, SATURATION Y AT 100, CURVATURE AT 20)
• RUDDER (DEADZONE AT 0, SATURATION X AT 100, SATURATION Y AT 100, CURVATURE AT 0)
• THROTTLE – CONTROLS ENGINE RPM
• WHEEL BRAKE LEFT
• WHEEL BRAKE RIGHT
WHEN SETTING WHEEL BRAKE AXIS, THEY ARE NOT SET TO

“INVERT” BY DEFAULT.
YOU NEED TO CLICK ON INVERT IN THE AXIS TUNE MENU FOR

EACH WHEEL BRAKE.
5
F-86F
PART 2 – COCKPIT & GAUGES SABRE
6
F-86F
7
SABRE
F-86F
Canopy Manual Operating

Handle (not simulated)
Circuit Breaker Panel

PART 2 – COCKPIT & GAUGES
Gunsight Light Filter Circuit Breaker
Gunsight Light Filter Selector
C-4A Cockpit Utility Light

8
AN/APX-6 IFF Transponder Identification Radar
SEE PART 13 FOR TUTORIAL
SABRE
F-86F
NOTE: NOT YET IMPLEMENTED
AN/ARC-27 UHF Radio

SEE PART 11 FOR TUTORIAL
9
SABRE
F-86F
AN/ARN-6 Radio Compass Control Panel

SEE TUTORIAL FOR RADIO NAVIGATION IN PART 12
10
SABRE Canopy Jettison Handle
F-86F
Generator Switch (ON by default)
Engine Master Switch Emergency In-Air Ignition Switch
Battery Switch Fuel Densitometer Selection Switch

Up: Battery (IN by default)
Middle: OFF
Down: Starter On
Stop-Starter Switch
Compass Light
Alternate Hydraulic Compass Fast Slave Switch

Emergency Override Handle
Position & Fuselage Lights Selector Switch
Exterior Lights Dimmer Switch
11
Bank Angle Indicator
LABS – SEE PART 9
Attitude Indicator LABS Dive & Roll Indicator
SABRE
F-86F
Engine Tachometer
(%RPM)
Aircraft Pitch (x10 deg)
Attitude Indicator
Pitch Trim Knob
Attitude Indicator
Caging Knob
EGT (Exhaust Gas Temperature)

(x100 deg C)
Fuel Flow Indicator (X 1000 PPH)
Fuel Quantity Indicator (x100 lbs)
Vertical Velocity Indicator (x1000 ft/min)

12
Cabin Pressure Altitude Indicator (x1000 ft)
Accelerometer (G) Fire Detection System Test Switch Fire Forward Warning Light
SABRE
Oil Pressure Gauge (PSI)
F-86F
Fire Aft Warning Light

LABS System
SEE PART 9
13
Main Instrument (3-phase) Main Radar (single-phase)
Inverter Failure Light Inverter Failure Light
SABRE
F-86F
Both Instrument (3-phase)

Hydraulic Pressure Gauge (X1000 PSI)
Inverter Failure Light
Takeoff Trim Position Indicator
(Illuminates when trimmed for takeoff)
Emergency Fuel Switch
Magnetic Compass
Fast Slave Button
Alternate-On Warning Light

Flight control alternate hydraulic system is operating
Hydraulic Pressure Gauge Selector Switch

UP: Utility Hydraulic System Pressure Selected
MIDDLE: Flight Control Normal Hydraulic System Pressure Selected
DOWN: Alternate Hydraulic System Pressure Selected 14
Airspeed Indicator (x100 KTS)
SABRE
F-86F
Landing Gear
Emergency Up Button
Mach Indicator
Radio-Magnetic Compass
Landing Gear Lever

UP = UP
DOWN = DOWN
Slaved Directional
Turn & Slip Indicator Gyro Indicator
Voltmeter (Volts)
Clock Altimeter (ft)
Generator Failure
Warning Light Electrical Loadmeter Gauge 15
Manual Pip Control Unit
SABRE
Landing Gear Warning Horn Engine Anti-Ice & Screen Switch
Cutout (Push-to-Silence)
F-86F
Landing Gear Indicator
Landing & Taxi Lights Switch

Pitot Heat Switch
Fuel Tank Selector Switch

• ALL TANKS OFF = SAFETY (Tanks will not drop, fuel is taken from internal tanks)
• OUTBD ON & JETT = Fuel taken from Outboard external tanks, jettison Outboard
Tanks Only
• INBD ON & JETT = Fuel taken from Inboard external tanks, jettison Inboard Tanks
Only
• Other positions are self-explanatory
Jettison Fuel Tanks Button Very important note: this switch must be used to choose where the fuel pumps
Press this to jettison fuel tanks once the will take fuel from. If you leave the switch to “ALL TANKS OFF”, your fuel pumps
tank(s) you want to drop have been selected will use your internal tanks rather than your external tanks if you have them
by the Fuel Tank Selector Switch. equipped. Trust me: you will need that extra external tank fuel.
Outboard External Fuel Tanks

Empty Light
Jettison Bombs, Rockets & Fuel Tanks Button

Press to jettison the bombs/rockets/fuel tanks selected 16
SABRE
F-86F
Canopy Switch
Aft: Open
Fwd: Close
Parking Brake Lever
Pulled = Engaged
Pushed = Disengaged
17
Trim Hat Switch
SABRE
F-86F
Bomb/Rocket Release Button
Gun Trigger
Radar Target Selector Button

Nosewheel Steering Button
18
SABRE
F-86F
Emergency Jettison Lever

Special Stores Emergency Jettison Lever

(Not Simulated)
Canopy Declutch Lever
Emergency Landing Gear Lever

19
Oxygen Diluter Lever
SABRE
F-86F
Oxygen Pressure (PSI) & Flow

Indicator
Oxygen Regulator Flow Valve Selector Switch

OPEN = ON/FWD
CLOSED = OFF/AFT
20
SABRE
F-86F
Gun Mode
Selector Switch
Gun Arming Lights

Flaps Lever
AFT = RETRACTED
MIDDLE = NEUTRAL
FWD = UP
21
Gunsight Electrical
Cage/Uncage Button
SABRE
F-86F
Speed Brake Switch
Throttle
Microphone Push-to-Talk
Button
22
SABRE
F-86F
Longitudinal Alternate Trim

Lateral Alternate Trim Switch Switch
Flight Control Switch

• ALTERNATE ON: Alternate Booster Hydraulic
System powers flight controls
• NORMAL: Normal Booster Hydraulic System
powers flight controls
• RESET: Resets flight controls to Normal if
Normal system is operative
Rudder Trim Switch
23
Windshield Anti-Ice
SABRE Overheat Light
Rocket Intervalometer Air Outlet Selector
F-86F
Windshield Anti-Ice Lever

UP = ON / DOWN = OFF
Cockpit Pressure Control

Switch
Cockpit Air Temperature Control

Switch
Cockpit Air Temperature Control

Rheostat
Cockpit Pressure Schedule

Selector Switch
24
SABRE
Circuit Breaker Panel
F-86F
C-4A Cockpit Utility Light
25
Target Range (ft)
SABRE (RADAR DETECTED)
F-86F
Radar Target Indicator Light

Magnetic Compass
Bombing
Missile Launch Mode Selector Altimeter (ft)
LH & RH = 1 MISSILE (LEFT FIRST)
RH = 1 MISSILE (RIGHT FIRST)
SALVO = BOTH MISSILES
Mechanical Sight Cage/Uncage Switch
LEFT = CAGED (LOCKED)
Missile Launch Parameter RIGHT = UNCAGED (UNLOCKED)
Exceedance Light UNCAGED = READY TO FIRE!
(On when aircraft exceeds G
limits for missile launch)
Missile Lock
Tone Volume
Gunsight Dimmer
Launch/Jettison Missile Radar Range Sweep Gunsight Target Wingspan

Safely Button Setting Rheostat Setting Selector (ft)
26
Bomb Target Wind
Correction Setting (kts)
Rocket Jettison
Weapon Selector
SABRE
“READY” Switch
F-86F
Gun Heater
Switch
Instrument Panel
Bomb Drop Speed Rocket Depression Auxiliary Light Rheostat
HI/LOW Selector Angle Selector (deg)
Rocket Fuze Delay
Console Panel
Light Rhesostat
Gunsight Function
Selector
Rocket/Gun/Bomb
Bomb Fuze Delay (set to
Nose & Tail by default)
Instrument Power
Switch
Normal/Alternate
Fragmentation
Bombs Indicator Light Bomb Release
Instrument Panel Primary
(not simulated) Sequence Selector
Light Rheostat
Fragmentation Bomb
Selector Switch
(not simulated since no Rocket Release
fragmentation bombs are
Bomb Release Mode Gunsight Filament
Mode Selector 27
simulated for the F-86) Selector (Manual/Auto) Selector
(Manual/Auto)
Maximum Operating Speed Limit (VMO) (KTS)
(Red Index, do not use as a reference) Maximum Gear/Flap Extension Speed
SABRE
(Yellow Index)
F-86F
Mach Scale
Indicated Airspeed (KTS)
Indicated Airspeed Limit (KTS) – DO NOT EXCEED

(This is what you use as a reference)
Altitude (x 100 ft)
Altitude (x 1000 ft)
Altitude (x 10000 ft)

The altimeter reads as follows:
Long Thin Needle: @ 2 = 20000 ft
Short Thick Needle @ 1 = 1000 ft
Long Thick Needle @ approx 1 = 100 ft
TOTAL ALTITUDE = 20000 + 1000 + 100 ft

= 21100 ft
QFE Altimeter Setting (inches
Hg)
Barometric Pressure
Setting Knob 28
SABRE
F-86F
Speedbrakes
(Hydraulically actuated)
Flaps
(Electrically actuated)
29
The flaps are controlled with the wing flap lever. It is important to note
SABRE that the lever has three positions: Up, Neutral (Hold) and Down. To
deploy flaps, you need to set the lever to DOWN, wait a few seconds,
F-86F
then set the lever back to Neutral (HOLD). This will prevent the electrical
motor from constantly running once the flap is set in the desired position.
Keep in mind that there are no flap position indicator in the cockpit and
deploying the flaps at an airspeed greater than the Max Gear/Flap
Extension Speed can jam them (this speed is visible on the airspeed
indicator’s yellow index). Always make sure that you are below 185 kts
before deploying your flaps or landing gear.
Maximum Gear/Flap Extension Speed

(Yellow Index)
30
SABRE
F-86F
Position Light (Green)
Landing Lights
Fuselage Light (White)
Position Light (Red)

Position Light (White)
31
F-86F
Dive Angle Reference Lines (deg)
32
F-86F
Mirror
33
F-86F
34
SABRE
F-86F
Outboard Fuel Tank

200 GAL
Inboard Fuel Tank
120 GAL
35
PART 3 – START-UP
SABRE
F-86F
PART 3 – START-UP
NOTE: THERE ARE NO 36

SLATS ON THE F-86F-35
PART 3 – START-UP
SABRE
Note: You do not need to try to use the parking brake since it is
F-86F
hydraulically-driven. The “Normal System” hydraulic pumps themselves are

engine-driven and require engine power to function. 1
1. Select ground crew by pressing “\” and F8.
2. Select “GROUND ELECTRIC POWER” by pressing F2
3. Select “ON” by pressing F1 to turn on ground power
4. Ensure Flight Control Switch is set to “ALTERNATE ON”, then confirm 2

that the ALTERNATE ON light is illuminated. Set Hydraulic System
Indication Selector to ALTERNATE (Down) position and confirm that
there is a positive hydraulic pressure.
3 4a
Flight Control Switch

PART 3 – START-UP
4b
4d 37
4c
PART 3 – START-UP 10a
SABRE
F-86F
5. Ensure throttle is set to OFF by pressing “END” key (by

default)
6. Set Engine Master Switch to ON (UP)
7. Set Battery Switch to STARTER (Left Click, Down Position) for 2
to 3 seconds, then set it to BATTERY (Right Click, Up Position)
8. Wait for engine RPM to reach 3 %
9. If engine does not reach 3 % within 1 minute, press the STOP- 6
STARTER Switch, set Engine Master Switch to OFF and Battery
Switch to OFF. Then, repeat steps 5 to 8.
10. Once engine RPM reaches 3 %, set throttle to OUTBOARD by 7b
pressing “RALT+HOME” key binding (by default) 7a
11. Once engine RPM reaches 6 %, set throttle to IDLE by pressing STOP-STARTER SWITCH
the “RALT+HOME” key binding (by default) a second time.
PART 3 – START-UP
11a
11b
10b
5 38
PART 3 – START-UP
SABRE
F-86F
12. The Main (Normal) Hydraulic System pumps are engine-driven and will
only kick in around 25 % RPM. 13a
13. Once you have sufficient engine RPM (25+ %), set the Flight Control
Switch to RESET for 2-3 seconds, then set it to “NORMAL”. Once the Main
(Normal) Hydraulic system pumps is selected, the “ALTERNATE ON”
warning light should extinguish.
14. Set Hydraulic System Indication Selector to NORMAL (Middle) and
confirm positive hydraulic pressure. 13c
15. Retract airbrakes

13b
PART 3 – START-UP
13d
15b
15c 14
39
15a
PART 3 – START-UP
SABRE
Wheel brakes pressed
F-86F
16. Set Parking Brake by:

a) Pulling and holding the parking brake lever
b) Pressing the wheel brake pedals while holding the parking brake lever
c) Releasing the wheel brakes.
d) You can then let go of the parking brake lever; it will remain in the
ENGAGED position (pulled).
16b 16b
Wheel brakes released, parking brake remains engaged

PART 3 – START-UP
16a
40
16c 16c
PART 3 – START-UP
18
SABRE
F-86F
17. Set your flaps Fully Down, and then set them to the Neutral position.
18. Set takeoff trim by setting your trim manually until you see the “TAKE-
OFF POS.IND. LATERAL–DIRECT LONGIT.” light blink briefly. This light
means that you are trimmed for takeoff.
19. Set your Oxygen Flow Valve selector to ON
20. Disconnect Ground Power by following the steps shown in step s 1 to 3
18
21. Close your canopy
22. Once ready to taxi, release parking brake by tapping your wheel brakes
17a
PART 3 – START-UP
21
17b
19
41
F-86F
PART 3 – START-UP SABRE
42
PART 4 – TAKEOFF
SABRE
F-86F
1. Line up on the runway using your nosewheel steering during turns (by holding “S” by default) and your rudder pedals.
Toe brakes can be used as well.
• Note: The nose wheel steering system will not engage if the nose wheel is more than 21° to either side of center.
Should the nose wheel be turned more than this, it must be brought into the steering range by use of the wheel
brakes. When the nose wheel steering activation button on the control stick is released, the nosewheel steering
system starts to work as a shimmy damper and the nose wheel goes to the self-castering mode.
2. Check for your flaps (DOWN/DEPLOYED) and your airbrakes (RETRACTED). Ask your wingmen if you have bad visibility.
3. Set your brakes ON
4. Slowly increase throttle to Max Power. Keep in mind that the throttle is slow to respond to input. 1
5. Release brakes at full power

6. Use rudder to make small adjustments, but do not use the nosewheel steering
7. At 120 kts, rotate and retract your flaps and landing gear
8. Once airborne, set your flaps lever to “NEUTRAL”
PART 4 – TAKEOFF
43
F-86F
PART 4 – TAKEOFF SABRE
44
F-86F
PART 4 – TAKEOFF SABRE
45
PART 5 – LANDING
SABRE
F-86F
1. Deploy airbrakes and line up on the runway

2. Deploy flaps and landing gear (Check for yellow speed limit index on
airspeed indicator)
3. Final approach is performed at 145 kts
4. Touchdown at 120 kts (Throttle at IDLE)
5. Gently tap your brakes to slow down
6. Once runway is cleared, retract flaps and airbrakes and taxi to the parking
area
PART 5 – LANDING
46
F-86F
PART 5 – LANDING SABRE
PART 5 – LANDING
47
F-86F
PART 6 – ENGINE & FUEL MANAGEMENT SABRE
48
PART 6 – ENGINE & FUEL MANAGEMENT
SABRE
F-86F
• The General Electric J47 engine has a 12-stage axial compressor and a
single-stage axial turbine
• The only temperature you need to keep an eye on is the exhaust gas Oil Pressure Gauge (PSI)
temperature (EGT). Make sure the temperature is within serviceability
and safety limits (green). Engine temperature can only be controlled by
reducing or augmenting engine RPM with the throttle.
• Max EGT should be 685 DEG C at all times
• Recommended engine RPM setting during normal flying is between Engine Tachometer
85 % and 95 % RPM. (%RPM)
• Keep an eye for exhaust temperature during combat, especially if you go
full throttle (100 % RPM) for an extended period of time. Prolonged
overheating of the engine will result in catastrophic engine failure.
• Compressor stall may occur when you move the throttle too quickly. You EGT (Exhaust Gas Temperature)
will notice a sudden loss in engine RPM. The J47 engine is slow to
respond to throttle input, so it should be treated gently. In case of (x100 deg C)
compressor stall, pull back the throttle to IDLE and slowly throttle up.
Major compressor failure may result in an engine flameout.
• A compressor stall is a local disruption of the airflow in
the compressor of a gas turbine or turbocharger. A stall that results in
the complete disruption of the airflow through the compressor is
referred to as a compressor surge. The severity of the phenomenon
ranges from a momentary power drop barely registered by the engine
instruments to a complete loss of compression in case of a surge,
requiring adjustments in the fuel flow to recover normal operation.
• Compressor stall was a common problem on early jet engines with
simple aerodynamics and manual or mechanical fuel control units, but
has been virtually eliminated by better design and the use of
hydromechanical and electronic control systems such as Full Authority
Digital Engine Control (FADEC). Modern compressors are carefully
designed and controlled to avoid or limit stall within an engine's
operating range. Fuel Flow Indicator (X 1000 PPH)
49
SABRE
F-86F
Generator Switch (DEFAULT: ON)

IN CASE OF ENGINE FLAME-OUT
1. Do not panic Engine Master Switch
2. Cut throttle and set it to “OFF” (Press “END” key twice)

3. Put the Sabre’s nose down and increase speed between 185 and 225 kts
Emergency In-Air
4. Make sure the Master Switch and Battery Switch are both ON Ignition Switch
5. Switch ON Emergency In-Air Ignition Switch (lift red cover)

6. Switch ON Emergency Fuel Switch
7. Set throttle to IDLE position (Press “HOME” key twice)
8. Once engine is spooling up (90+ % RPM), Switch off Emergency In-Air Ignition Switch
9. Once smooth engine operation is established, switch OFF the Emergency Fuel Switch
Battery Switch
Emergency Fuel Switch 50

PART 6 – FUEL MANAGEMENT
SABRE
F-86F
Internal Wing Tank
Internal Rear Fuselage Tank
Internal Wing Tank
Inboard External Tanks: 450 litres (120 gallon)

Outboard External Tanks: 760 litres (200 gallon)
Internal Forward Fuselage Tank
51
Fuel Tank Selector Switch
PART 6 – FUEL MANAGEMENT • ALL TANKS OFF = SAFETY (Tanks will not drop, fuel is taken from internal
tanks)
SABRE
• OUTBD ON & JETT = Fuel taken from Outboard external tanks, jettison
F-86F
Outboard Tanks Only

• INBD ON & JETT = Fuel taken from Inboard external tanks, jettison Inboard
Tanks Only
• Other positions are self-explanatory
Very important note: this switch must be used to choose where the fuel
pumps will take fuel from. If you leave the switch to “ALL TANKS OFF”, your
fuel pumps will use your internal tanks rather than your external tanks.
Outboard External Fuel Tanks

Empty Light 52
HOW TO JETTISON DROP TANKS
SABRE
F-86F
1) Set Fuel Tank Jettison Selector to the desired position

2) Press “JETTISON FUEL TANKS” button
FUEL TANK JETTISON SELECTOR

ALL TANKS OFF = SAFETY (TANKS WILL NOT DROP)
OUTBD ON & JETT = JETTISON OUTBOARD TANKS
INBD ON & JETT = JETTISON INBOARD TANKS
OTHER POSITIONS ARE SELF-EXPLANATORY
JETTISON FUEL TANKS BUTTON

(PRESS THIS TO JETTISON FUEL TANKS
ONCE THE TANK(S) YOU WANT TO
DROP HAVE BEEN SELECTED)
53
F-86F
PART 7 – AIRCRAFT LIMITATIONS SABRE
PART 7 – AIRCRAFT LIMITATIONS
54
F-86F
55
F-86F
56
F-86F
57
F-86F
58
PART 8 – AIRCRAFT OPERATION
SABRE
F-86F
• Your aircraft can easily go more than 400 kts in level flight, which
means that you can very easily black out if you do not pay
attention to your speed and accelerometer in turning
manoeuvres. Be gentle with the stick. “Boss, I think I
• Speed is very important in combat, but also during landing. Pay forgot something…”
attention to the yellow index on the airspeed indicator to know
when you can safely deploy your flaps and landing gear. Deploying
those at high speeds will make them jam in inconvenient
positions, as shown in the picture on the right.
• During a normal patrol, you do not need to go full throttle all the
time. It needlessly wears the engine down and can create
problems with formation flying.
• At high Mach numbers (between Mach 0.95 and Mach 1.0), you
can lock up your controls easily (especially ailerons). If you want to
remain in full of your plane at all times, it is better to fly a little bit
slower (Mach 0.7 - 0.8) but keep full authority over your controls.
This can prevent unfortunate mid-air collisions with your wingmen
(true story).
Mach Indicator
Accelerometer (G)
Yellow Index
Airspeed (kts) 59
SABRE
• Typically in World War II fighters, flaps were used to
F-86F
make tighter turns in combat. However, use of flaps

during combat is strictly prohibited in the Sabre.
• Use of airbrakes can help you turn much tighter if
you need to bleed airspeed quickly. They come in
very handy in dive bombing and defensive
manoeuvres, especially when you have a MiG-15
on your tail that you just can’t shake off.
• Use airbrakes only when you need to. Bleeding off
too much speed in the Sabre can quickly become
fatal. Take note that:
1. The MiG-15 outclimbs the F-86
2. The F-86 outperforms the MiG-15 in a dive

3. The F-86 is generally slightly more maneuverable
than the MiG-15
4. The F-86 is very vulnerable at low speed
60
SABRE
• In the case of a landing gear failure, here is the
F-86F
procedure for emergency landing gear deployment
Emergency Landing Gear

Lever
61
F-86F
PART 9 – WEAPONS SABRE
62
PART 9 – WEAPONS: INTRODUCTION
SABRE
F-86F
Before we start, I need to make something clear:

• The electrical caging switch and the mechanical caging switch are NOT the same
thing. They have different functions.
• The following terminology will be used:
• “RELEASE ELECTRICAL CAGE SWITCH” (Gunsight will be moving)
• “HOLD ELECTRICAL CAGE SWITCH” (Gunsight will not be moving)
• “UNCAGE MECHANICAL SIGHT” (Right Position = Gunsight will be moving)
• “CAGE MECHANICAL SIGHT” (Left Position = Gunsight will not move)
MECHANICAL SIGHT
CAGE/UNCAGE SWITCH
LEFT = CAGED (LOCKED)
RIGHT = UNCAGED (UNLOCKED)
UNCAGED = READY TO FIRE!
PART 9 – WEAPONS
WINGSPAN OF A MIG-15BIS
10 m = 32 ft (VALUE TO ENTER IN GUNSIGHT WINGSPAN)
63
PART 9 – WEAPONS: 0.50 CAL GUNS
SABRE
1) Set weapon selector to “GUNS”. Do it 10 minutes in advance to let the A-4
F-86F
Gunsight System warm up, then set the Gun Selector to “ALL GUNS”. 6a
2) Set Target Wingspan to about 30 ft (wingspan of a MiG-15)
3) Uncage Mechanical Sight before engaging air target
4) Current max radar range is 1600 ft. Radar light will become red once a target is
spotted and it might suffer interference under an altitude of 6000 ft because of
ground clutter. Continuous light means continuous radar tracking, while
flickering light means that radar is spotting something but not actively tracking
it. 4 3
5) Hold the Electrical Caging switch for a few seconds (gunsight will stop moving)
and release it (gunsight will begin tracking). Target range on the range dial will
start tracking the target’s range.
6) When target’s wingspan fits the gunsight, fire on the target (GUN FIRE trigger).
1
PART 9 – WEAPONS
6b
64
PART 9 – WEAPONS: 0.50 CAL GUNS
SABRE
F-86F
PART 9 – WEAPONS
65
MISSILE LAUNCH MODE:
PART 9 – WEAPONS: MISSILES LH & RH = 1 MISSILE (LEFT FIRST)
2
RH = 1 MISSILE (RIGHT FIRST)
SALVO = BOTH MISSILES
SABRE
1) Set weapon selector to “MISSILE”. Do it 10 minutes in advance to let the A-4
F-86F
gunsight system warm up. 3

2) Uncage Mechanical Sight before engaging the air target
Range
3) Select Missile Launch Mode (Typically I use RH, but it is really up to your
personal preference). You will start hearing the missile seeker’s low-pitch
growl.
4) Current max radar range is 1600 ft. Radar light will become red once a target is
spotted and it might suffer interference under an altitude of 6000 ft because
of ground clutter. Continuous light means continuous radar tracking, while
flickering light means that radar is spotting something but not actively tracking
it.
5) Hold the Electrical Caging switch for a few seconds (gunsight will stop moving)
and release it (gunsight will begin tracking). Target range on the range dial
should stop wobbling and the gunsight will start tracking the target’s range.
6) Fire on the target (GUN FIRE trigger) when you have a solid lock (high-pitch 1
seeker growl is audible once it tracks a heat signature). You should fire your
missile at less than 2000 ft.
PART 9 – WEAPONS
66
PART 9 – WEAPONS: MISSILES
SABRE
F-86F
PART 9 – WEAPONS
67
PART 9 – WEAPONS: ROCKETS
SABRE
1) Set Weapon Mode to “GUNS”
F-86F
2) Set Gunsight Mode to “ROCKET”

3) Flip the Rocket Mode safety guard
4) Click switch under the Rocket Mode Safety Guard
• MIDDLE = OFF (default position)
• UP (RIGHT CLICK) = SINGLE ROCKET
• DOWN (LEFT CLICK) = AUTO ROCKET 1
NOTE: First rocket to be fired is set with the rocket intervalometer on

the left panel
5) Use Gunsight and Electrical Caging switch to aim as shown in the
“GUNS” section 3
6) Fire your rockets by pressing the “WEAPON RELEASE” Button
6 Bomb/Rocket Release Button

PART 9 – WEAPONS
4
2
4 Rocket Intervalometer
68
PART 9 – WEAPONS: ROCKETS
SABRE
F-86F
PART 9 – WEAPONS
69
PART 9 – WEAPONS: DIVE BOMBING (MANUAL MODE)
SABRE
F-86F
1) Set Weapon Mode to “SIGHT CAMERA & RADAR”

2) Set Fuze Mode to “ARM NOSE & TAIL”
3) Set Gunsight Mode to “BOMB”
4) Set Release Mode to “MANUAL”
5) Select Bomb Loadout to Drop (ALL/LEFT/RIGHT)
6) Deploy Airbrakes and dive for your target
7) Drop your ordnance by pressing the “WEAPON RELEASE” Button
1
7 Bomb/Rocket Release Button
PART 9 – WEAPONS
2
4
5
70
PART 9 – WEAPONS: DIVE BOMBING (AUTOMATIC MODE)
SABRE
F-86F

4) Set Release Mode to “AUTO”
6) Uncage Mechanical Sight (Reticle will be moving)
1
6
PART 9 – WEAPONS
3 2
71
PART 9 – WEAPONS: DIVE BOMBING (AUTOMATIC MODE)
SABRE
MECHANICAL SIGHT
F-86F
7) Deploy Airbrakes CAGE/UNCAGE SWITCH

WE AIM HERE! LEFT = CAGED (LOCKED)
8) Enter a 45-deg dive and aim the pipper on RIGHT = UNCAGED (UNLOCKED)
UNCAGED = READY TO FIRE!
the target
9) Hold Electrical Caging switch for about 3
seconds
10) While holding the Electrical Caging switch,
hold your Weapon Release button. Keep
the pipper on the target.
11) Release the Electrical Caging Switch, but
keep holding the Weapon Release button. DIVE ANGLE INDICATOR
You should hear a “shlonk” once your
bombs are dropped automatically.
PART 9 – WEAPONS
MY ELECTRICAL
CAGING SWITCH Electrical Caging Switch
(RELEASED)
10
MY WEAPON
RELEASE BUTTON
STEP 9 STEP 10
STEP 11 72
PART 9 – WEAPONS: DIVE BOMBING (MANUAL PIP BOMBING MODE)
SABRE
F-86F

4) Set Release Mode to “MANUAL”
6) Uncage Mechanical Sight (Reticle will be moving)
7) Set Manual Pip Switch Control to “BOMB”
8) Decide your starting altitude and speed. In our case, we
will pick a 288 kts entry speed at 15000 ft over the
target, as suggested by the Manual Pip Chart.
1
PART 9 – WEAPONS
8 7 2
4
5
73
BOMBING ALTIMETER
SABRE 9
F-86F
9) Click on the center knob of the manual pip control and set the
dive angle you intend to take. I usually tkaoe a dive angle of 50
deg. Check the associated number on the external circle, and
we can deduce that for a 50-deg dive angle, starting our dive
from 15000 ft at 288 kts, our bomb should be release at 4000 ft
(release parameter).
TURN THIS KNOB TO
TURN THIS KNOB TO
SUGGESTED BOMB RELEASE MOVE RED NEEDLE
MOVE WHITE NEEDLE CORRECT POSITION
ALTITUDE = 4000 FT ALTIMETER NEEDLE POINTS OUR
ALTITUDE: 14000 FT. KEEP AN EYE ON
IT TO KNOW WHEN TO DROP YOUR
BOMBS
THIS NEEDLE IS SET ON THE BOMB RELEASE

ALTITUDE (4000 FT IN OUR CASE AS
SUGGESTED IN STEP 9)
RED NEEDLE IS SET ON THE TARGET

INCORRECT POSITION 10 ALTITUDE (0 FT IN OUR CASE)
PART 9 – WEAPONS
10) Since our eyes are glued on the pipper and not on the
altimeter during the dive, someone had the brilliant idea
to include a bombing altimeter. Set the bombing
altimeter as shown in the picture titled “CORRECT Bomb/Rocket Release Button
POSITION” and track the altitude needle.
11) Cut throttle, deploy airbrakes and dive for your target at 12
a dive andle of 50 deg. Check your dive angle indicator
for reference. Place the pipper on the target.
12) While aiming with the pipper, wait for the altimeter 11
needle to meet the bomb release needle as shown in DIVE ANGLE
step 10. When both needles meet, drop your ordnance INDICATOR
by pressing the “WEAPON RELEASE” button and enjoy 74
the fireworks.
SABRE
F-86F
Pipper placed on the target
All because of this! Both needles are now

aligned. Bombs away!
PART 9 – WEAPONS
Keep an eye on the dive angle!
75
PART 9 – WEAPONS: L.A.B.S.
SABRE
F-86F
PART 9 – WEAPONS
76
SABRE “OVER THE SHOULDER” DELIVERY
Toss bombing (sometimes known as loft bombing,

F-86F
and by the U.S. Air Force as the Low Altitude

Bombing System, LABS) is a method
of bombing where the attacking aircraft pulls
upward when releasing its bomb load, giving the
bomb additional time of flight by starting its
ballistic path with an upward vector.
The purpose of toss bombing is to compensate

for the gravity drop of the bomb in flight, and
allow an aircraft to bomb a target without flying
directly over it. This is in order to avoid overflying
a heavily defended target, or in order to distance
the attacking aircraft from the blast effects of a
nuclear (or conventional) bomb.
However, the Sabre in DCS is not equipped with

nuclear ordnance yet, so the use of the LABS
system is rather impractical as the method is
better suited for nuclear blasts than for precision
bombing. Still, it’s a cool feature so I thought I
PART 9 – WEAPONS
would talk about it nonetheless.
77
SABRE
F-86F

4) Set release mode to “MANUAL”
5) Select Bomb Loadout to drop (ALL/LEFT/RIGHT)
6) Uncage LABS Gyro (switch in the UP position)
7) Set LABS Power switch to ON (UP)
8) Set LABS Start Switch to “LABS”
6 1
PART 9 – WEAPONS
8
3
LABS Gyro
2
4
5
Accelerometer (G)
78
PART 9 – WEAPONS: L.A.B.S. 10 Airfield is our target, let’s start pulling up (+4G)!
SABRE
F-86F
9) Fly low until you reach your target

10) Hold “WEAPON RELEASE” button
and start pulling up at a steady
+4G while checking the
accelerometer and the LABS gyro
to avoid lateral movement as
much as possible. 9
11) Your bombs should be released
automatically if you keep holding
the Weapons Release button
while maintaining +4G.
Keep a steady +4G

while climbing
AIRCRAFT BOMBS
PART 9 – WEAPONS
10
11
TARGET =
KABOOM!
Keep yourself aligned and avoid rolling movement 79
by checking the LABS gyro reference lines
PART 10 – SKINS
SABRE
F-86F
• Skins must be installed in the directory shown in the picture below.

• Sometimes the folder is not there. Create one manually called “F-86F Sabre” to be able to stock these sweet skins.
PART 10 – SKINS
80
PART 11 – AN/ARC-27 UHF RADIO TUTORIAL
SABRE
F-86F
• The AN/ARC-27 UHF radio of the Sabre has 19 preset channels going from 225 to 400 MHz. Each frequency is mapped
individually and manually by the mission builder. The channel frequencies should be available in the Mission Briefing or mission
description if the mission builder wanted to make your life easier.
• You can receive and communicate with a frequency by setting your radio to “T/R” (TRANSMIT-RECEIVE) or “T/R+G” (TRANSMIT-
RECEIVE including “Guard” frequency)
• The “G” (Guard) channel is an emergency guard frequency (also known as Channel 0).
• For instance, this picture shows that I can transmit and receive information from Channel 10 and receive information from the
Emergency Guard Frequency.
• You can control your radio volume if it is too loud or too low by rotating the “VOLUME” knob.
PART 11 – AN/ARC-27 UHF RADIO
• To communicate with other aircraft, flight or control towers, use your “MICROPHONE BUTTON” control mapped earlier
Microphone Button
81
PART 12 – AN/ARN-6 RADIO NAVIGATION
• We will use a “NDB” (Non-Directional Beacon) for radio compass navigation. These NDBs are located at various airfields and certain places. Take note that they are
SABRE
F-86F
hardcoded in the map.

• NDBs transmit a morse code on a set frequency that can be heard with the AN/ARN-6 Radio Compass. The source of the signal can be detected with the radio compass on
the main instrument panel (its arrow will tell you where the signal you are receiving is coming from).
• There can be many NDBs transmitting at frequencies that are very close to one another, so it can be easy to follow another signal by mistake.
• Radio tuning is very precise and sensitive. The only reliable way to know if you are tracking the good signal is to listen to the morse code signal emitted by the beacon and
verify that it matches.

• All Beacons and their respective morse codes are listed in LINO_GERMANY’S BEACON MAP available here:
DIRECT DOWNLOAD: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B-uSpZROuEd3YWJBUmZTazBGajQ&authuser=0
• In the following example, I will fly from Sukhumi Airfield (which already has 2 NDBs next to it transmitting other signals on
their own frequencies).
• The signal I will track is a NDB near the small town of Gali. The beacon map tells me that the beacon is transmitting on a
frequency of 525.00 MHz and that the morse code is – . . . –
• I can associate the morse code with one long beep, followed by two short beeps, followed by a pause, followed by a short
beep and followed by a long beep.
• Take note that if you fly under 6000 ft, there might be interferences from ground clutter.
82
F-86F
PART 12 – AN/ARN-6 RADIO NAVIGATION SABRE
83
STEP 4 STEP 5
Find emitting frequencies by checking the Signal found!
Signal Strength needle.
SABRE
F-86F
STEP 6
Adjust volume and listen to the
morse code signal to verify that
you are tracking the right signal.
Keep tuning if the signal is
wrong.
STEP 1
Set to “COMP” (Compass)
STEP 2
Set frequency range to 410-850
since we are looking for 525 MHz.
STEP 3
Fine tune frequencies by using the 84
mousewheel. Be careful: it is very sensitive.
SABRE STEP 8
Following the heading prescribed by the Radio Compass and
F-86F
verifying with my map, the beacon signal I am tracking appears to

be in this area, which makes sense since I am flying over Sukhumi
at this time and the beacon should be at my South-West (approx. a
heading of 120). At the moment, my current heading is 150 as per
the magnetic compass
Magnetic Compass
Current heading: 150
STEP 7
The needle of the Radio Compass will give you a bearing (120 in our case)
Radio-Compass
to get to the source of the signal. Use common sense to see if the
frequency you are receiving is pointing in the right direction. If the signal
is pointing in the reverse direction, you are probably tracking another
beacon that has a similar frequency as the one you are looking for. The
task can become a chore if there are many beacons transmitting in the
same frequency range.
Keep in mind that the needle does give you the MAGNETIC heading to the
Optional: you can rotate the “Compass ADF. You cannot simply “follow the needle” with that particular radio-
Correction” knob to manually set the compass. The way to read it is to consult the NDB’s bearing on the Radio-
orientation of the radio-compass to something Compass, then steer the aircraft towards the ADF direction by using the
more instinctive, like lining up your current
Magnetic Compass as a reference. 85
heading with the top of the gauge..
SABRE IFF SYSTEM
F-86F
The AN/APX-6 IFF (Identify-Friend-or-Foe) Transponder system is fairly simple: it detects whether or not a nearby aircraft is friendly. This system has not been simulated by
Belsimtek, therefore we will not spend too much time on it.
PART 13 – AN/APX-6 TRANSPONDER (IFF)
AN/APX-6 Self-Destruct Button
86
F-86F
PART 14 – TATICS AGAINST MIG-15BIS SABRE COMBAT TIPS & TRICKS
87
SABRE COMBAT TIPS & TRICKS
F-86F
You should consult “No Guts, No Glory”, an excellent textbook written by USAF Major General Frederick C. Blesse (Ret.). It has excellent insight on how the Sabre should be flown in
combat scenarios.
LINK: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B-uSpZROuEd3T1RudnlMWGZ6OVE&authuser=0
PART 14 – TATICS AGAINST MIG-15BIS
88
SABRE
RESOURCES:
F-86F
• BUNYAP SIMS YOUTUBE CHANNEL

• MAIN CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/user/4023446/videos
• RADIO COMMS TUTORIAL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xa6TsnbG5pI
• MANUAL PIP BOMBING SYSTEM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbDON_t_FZw
• XXJOHNXX YOUTUBE CHANNEL

• MAIN CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/user/4023446/videos
• SABRE TUTORIALS: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLs4yzB9MM2Sx_BSiYcQkTNtY4Ei2vtxUy
• LABS TUTORIAL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXWOb_B5zpM
• 504SMUDGE YOUTUBE CHANNEL

PART 15 – OTHER RESOURCES
• https://www.youtube.com/user/504smudge/featured
• LABS TUTORIAL: “Nuclear War: "Delivery of Atomic Weapons by Light Carrier Aircraft" 1959 US Navy Training Film”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dIqfN_aPtY
• LINO_GERMANY BEACON MAP

• https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B-uSpZROuEd3YWJBUmZTazBGajQ&authuser=0
89
90

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DCS GUIDE

• MICROPHONE BUTTON ALLOWS YOU TO USE RADIO MENU WHILE FLYING

• LANDING GEAR UP/DOWN RAISES OR DEPLOYS YOUR LANDING GEAR

TO ASSIGN AXIS, CLICK ON AXIS ASSIGN. YOU

TO MODIFY CURVES AND SENSITIVITIES OF

• PITCH (DEADZONE AT 5, SATURATION X AT 100, SATURATION Y AT 100, CURVATURE AT 20)

WHEN SETTING WHEEL BRAKE AXIS, THEY ARE NOT SET TO

YOU NEED TO CLICK ON INVERT IN THE AXIS TUNE MENU FOR

Canopy Manual Operating

Circuit Breaker Panel

Gunsight Light Filter Circuit Breaker

Gunsight Light Filter Selector

C-4A Cockpit Utility Light

NOTE: NOT YET IMPLEMENTED

AN/ARC-27 UHF Radio

AN/ARN-6 Radio Compass Control Panel

Generator Switch (ON by default)

Engine Master Switch Emergency In-Air Ignition Switch

Battery Switch Fuel Densitometer Selection Switch

Alternate Hydraulic Compass Fast Slave Switch

Position & Fuselage Lights Selector Switch

Exterior Lights Dimmer Switch

Aircraft Pitch (x10 deg)

EGT (Exhaust Gas Temperature)

Fuel Flow Indicator (X 1000 PPH)

Fuel Quantity Indicator (x100 lbs)

Vertical Velocity Indicator (x1000 ft/min)

Fire Aft Warning Light

Both Instrument (3-phase)

Alternate-On Warning Light

Hydraulic Pressure Gauge Selector Switch

Landing Gear Lever

Landing Gear Indicator

Landing & Taxi Lights Switch

Fuel Tank Selector Switch

Outboard External Fuel Tanks

Jettison Bombs, Rockets & Fuel Tanks Button

Bomb/Rocket Release Button

Radar Target Selector Button

Nosewheel Steering Button

Emergency Jettison Lever

Special Stores Emergency Jettison Lever

Canopy Declutch Lever

Emergency Landing Gear Lever

Oxygen Pressure (PSI) & Flow

Oxygen Regulator Flow Valve Selector Switch

Gun Arming Lights

Speed Brake Switch

Longitudinal Alternate Trim

Flight Control Switch

Windshield Anti-Ice Lever

Cockpit Pressure Control

Cockpit Air Temperature Control

Cockpit Air Temperature Control

Cockpit Pressure Schedule

C-4A Cockpit Utility Light

Radar Target Indicator Light

Launch/Jettison Missile Radar Range Sweep Gunsight Target Wingspan

Indicated Airspeed Limit (KTS) – DO NOT EXCEED

Altitude (x 1000 ft)