| 26" x 20" | "Sabres Supreme" Don Connolly Countersigned |
$75.00 (Cdn) |
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The 1950s were a decade of dynamic activity within the Royal Canadian Air Force, a time when it served a vital role of deterrence in the "Cold War." During the last half of this decade, RCAF day fighter squadrons were equipped with the Canadair Mark 6 Sabre, considered by many as the supreme fighter of its time. Over 1800 Sabres were built in Canada, culminating with the superb Mk. 6. Its Canadian designed and built Orenda 14 powerplant provided the agile airframe with speed, climbing ability and a ceiling superior to all previous Sabre variants; and it was with these machines that the RCAF Air Division grew in confidence and capability to become, arguably, the premier fighter force in Europe at that time. In his book "The Canadair Sabre" (Canav Books, Toronto, 1986), Larry Milberry provides a very detailed look at Sabre operations during this period. For example, the history of each aircraft is listed, as are the names of those lost in fatal crashes - the latter a sobering reminder of the unavoidable price often paid in the cause of peace. Artist Don Connolly's painting "Sabres Supreme" is a tribute to this 'Golden Age' of the RCAF. In it he portrays a Mk. 6 chasing a brace of hapless Meteors, while another turns to engage other prey. Now available as a limited edition print, it serves as another reminder of the many and varied contributions made by the RCAF to Canada's aviation heritage.
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